What is the recommended method for dealing with Pharaoh ants?

The recommended method for dealing with Pharaoh ants is baiting. Baiting is particularly effective for this species because Pharaoh ants are very small and have complex foraging habits. They typically forage in trails and are attracted to various food sources, making them ideal candidates for baiting strategies.

When using bait, it is important to utilize formulations that the ants will consume and carry back to their nest. This not only decreases the visible ant population but also targets the entire colony, including the queen, which is crucial for long-term control. Baits contain slow-acting insecticides, allowing workers to take the bait back to the colony, ultimately leading to a greater elimination of the ant population.

In contrast, using spray methods can be less effective since Pharaoh ants may not be killed outright and often scatter when they encounter threats, which can lead to colony splitting and further infestations. Traps may not adequately bait the ants or reach the colony, and dusting is typically not effective with Pharaoh ants due to their small size and behavior of nesting in wall voids or hidden areas. Therefore, baiting stands out as the superior method for managing infestations of Pharaoh ants.