When baiting pharaoh ants, what type of attractants should be used?

When targeting pharaoh ants, utilizing both sweet and protein attractants is deemed most effective. Pharaoh ants are opportunistic feeders and exhibit a preference for various food sources, which can include sugary substances as well as proteins. These ants require a balance of nutrients based on the life stage of the colony and the specific needs of the workers and brood. Using a combination of attractants ensures that the bait appeals to a larger portion of the colony, enhancing the likelihood of effective baiting and control.

By using solely sweet attractants, the bait might fail to attract a significant number of workers that are seeking protein sources essential for the growth and development of the colony. This is critical to achieving a broader control strategy, as relying on just one type of food source could leave parts of the population inadequately addressed. Therefore, it is important to incorporate both sweet and protein attractants in baiting scenarios with pharaoh ants to maximize effectiveness.