The Pharaoh ant is more than a nuisance; they can be a nightmare. These tiny fearsome pests were named because they were thought to be one of the “Ten ancient plagues of Egypt” during the “Time of Pharaohs” they were not; however like a plague they are known to they take over rather quickly especially here; In hospitals and nursing homes their presents is of medical concern because they spread pathogens and contaminate sterile areas, they nest in medical equipment and have even been known to enter wounds. Labeling them a major nuisance can’t begin to describe their horrific infestuish behavior. Also well known in commercial food handling establishments; restaurants, hotels and grocery stores; they feed on a variety of insects, sweets, oils, proteins and most certainly medications. Their colonies are large; in the thousands, sometimes due to overcrowding the queen will leave the nest to start a new colony this may also occur due to temperature or when pesticide is applied. This is called budding and when this happens major infestation is quickly spread to numerous locations. (Mass migration)