Are pharaoh ants dangerous?

“My neighbor reckons the ants in my kitchen are pharaoh ants. Are pharaoh ants dangerous?”

Pharaoh ants aren't aggressive and rarely cause physical harm, but they can still be a genuine nuisance, and their biggest risk comes from the bacteria they can spread.

Pharaoh ants often travel through unsanitary areas like drains, trash, and bathrooms before wandering across countertops, food storage, and utensils. Along the way, they can pick up and spread bacteria. This is why they're considered a particular concern in settings like hospitals, kitchens, and food storage areas, where sanitation matters most.

They're also difficult to manage on your own. Unlike many ant species, disturbing their colony with a spray or store-bought repellent, for example, can cause it to "bud," splitting into multiple new colonies rather than dying off. This means DIY treatments can sometimes make an infestation worse rather than better.

Do pharaoh ants bite?

Pharaoh ants bite far less often than other species, and it's usually not painful, since their venom isn't particularly strong. Most people won't notice a bite at all unless they're sensitive to it, in which case mild redness or irritation may appear. Of course, if you experience any unusual reaction, consult a healthcare professional.

If you're seeing pharaoh ants around your home or business, especially near food prep or storage areas, it's worth getting a professional assessment. At Ehrlich, our technicians can help identify the ant species, locate nesting areas, and develop targeted ant treatments to address the colony at its source.