This species of ant are highly successful at spreading due to their multi-queen colonies. With this trait, the colonies perform what is known as “satelliting”, allowing it to spread while creating multiple sub-colonies and nest sites. The species is also highly organised and intelligent--using various pheromones to communicate with one another.
The trait has made Pharaoh Ants a huge nuisance in urban environments and a major hazard in hospitals. This is because their small size has led to them crawling into medical instruments and even wounds. Some forms of pest control such as sprays are ineffective due to a colony’s ability to split only to regroup later.
