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Originally a tropical
ant species, the Pharaohs ant is most likely to have originated in
north African or Mediterranean areas. It was first observed
and recorded in Britain in the early 1800's. In temperate climates
it is an indoor species associated particularly with large
facilities such as hospitals and prisons. It is a complex
organism, which may often prove very difficult to control due to
it's ordered social hierarchy and behavioural complexity.
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The Pharaohs Ant -
Monomorium pharaonis
Image Copyright - Aventis
Environmental Science 1964. Reproduced with kind permission of Aventis Environmental
Science. |
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Of particular note in
hospitals where their foraging activities may be responsible for
cross contamination of food, and sterile supplies. The
foraging worker ant has a noted liking for feeding from wounds
where they cause infection and intense irritation. Small
colonies may be made in moveable items such as bags and laundry
which provides the potential for the colonies to spread.
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Social insects, pharaohs
ants have a colony which is centered on a queen or reproductive
female. Unlike some other ant species, the queen may be
replaced by other queens. This feature is important, as new
queens can be produced when needed, hence colonies are able to
split - particularly significant to
the PCO. |
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Thorough survey by
professional personnel is highly recommended. The use of
conventional residual treatments is generally not effective, as
some solvent types may cause the nest to fragment. Baiting
may be effective if the active ingredient is slow acting.
Good results have been shown by using Juvenile Hormone based
treatments. |
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