How to Get Rid of Pharaoh Ants Without Making the Infestation Worse

Hey everyone!

I’ve been dealing with a Pharaoh ant infestation in my apartment for a couple of weeks now, and it’s really getting out of hand. I’ve read that these little guys can be quite tricky to eliminate without making the situation worse. I want to tackle this properly without spreading them all over my home or causing them to establish new colonies.

Hey @PestMaster99! I totally get your frustration. Pharaoh ants can be a real pain. I had a similar issue last year. The best solution I found was to use bait traps specifically designed for them. They seem to take the bait back to their colony, which can really help reduce the population over time. Just remember to keep the traps away from other food sources.

Great tip, @AntWhisperer! I’d also recommend keeping your kitchen and pantry really clean during this process. Make sure to wipe down surfaces and seal any food. Pharaoh ants are attracted to crumbs and spills, so eliminating those can help a lot.

Thanks for the advice, both of you! I’ve been cleaning like crazy, but I didn’t think about the bait traps. Are there specific brands you recommend?

I found that the Terro ant bait stations worked well for me. They contain a sweet liquid that attracts the ants. Just be patient, as it might take some time for the effects to kick in.

One common mistake people make is using sprays or insecticides too early. This can cause the colony to split and create new nests. It’s generally better to focus on baiting methods first.

Exactly, @PestControlPro! I made that mistake. I thought I was doing something good by spraying, but all it did was make the ants scatter. It took me longer to figure out where they were coming from after that.

I appreciate the heads-up! I’ll definitely avoid sprays for now. Does anyone have suggestions on how to locate their nest?

A good way to find the nest is to follow the ants. They often have a trail leading back to their food sources. If you can track them to a wall or baseboard, you might find where they’re nesting.

I’ve read that if you start to see fewer ants over time, that’s a good sign. You might also notice them being less active. Just keep an eye out for any new trails forming, though!

Agreed! Also, if you can find dead ants near the bait stations, that’s a positive indicator that the bait is working. Just keep monitoring the situation.

Thanks for the insight, @joacsiasm and @HomeDefender! I’ll keep an eye out for those signs. I’ll update you all on my progress!