Fight To Contain Pharaoh Ants

Pest control officers from Dynamic Pest Control are battling to contain a rare infestation of tropical ants that has sprung up in the city of Crewe. It is the first time in almost 10 years that our pest control technicians have come up against an infestation of Pharaoh ants in the city.

Two properties found to be harbouring this illusive pest are currently being treated with a special poison to irradicate the infestation. In addition, we are also monitoring neighbouring properties to ensure the infestation has not spread.

The tiny yellow-coloured insects are considered to be a problem because their size makes it easy to nest in inaccessible areas. When foraging, they can also transmit bacteria that increase the risk of disease in places such as hospitals, residential care homes and food outlets.

What was thought to be a simple case of black garden ants infesting a kitchen very quickly revealed itself to be a far more complex challenge. Following detailed inspections of the properties, it was discovered that these insects were infact Pharaoh ants.

This is the first time we have dealt with a Pharaoh ant infestation in almost 10 years. This pest is so unusual, especially in the North of England, that we had to order in specialist bait to deal with the ants, and due to access problems to the affected property over the Christmas period, treatment had to be delayed until the beginning of 2009.

In the interim, the surrounding properties in the same area were inspected, which allowed us to identify that the infestation was isolated to two properties only. Both properties were then treated, and continuous monitoring has ensued to ensure that the properties on either side of the two affected buildings have not been subject to the infestation.

In addition to treatment of the properties, Dynamic Pest Control have also been giving extra advice and information to the people affected by the ant invasion.

Although not certain of the source, it is suspected that the infestation could be the result of the ants being carried back into the country from abroad in someone's luggage.

Originating in the North Africa / Mediterranean region, the Pharaoh ant is able to survive in centrally heated locations in temperate regions. Infestations can be found in a wide variety of locations including hotels, hospitals, prisons, food handling premises, zoos, botanical gardens, and domestic properties especially high rise residential blocks.

Although unusual, Pharaoh ants do occassionally pop up on the pest controller's radar and infestations are characterised by a trail of tiny red ants approximately 2mm in length making their way to a water source, such as a kitchen sink or bath tub.

Article provided by Dynamic Pest Control