Spectrum of bacterial pathogens transmitted by Pharaoh's ants
Hughes, D.E.; Kassim, O.O.; Gregory, J.; Stupart, M.; Austin, L.; Duffield, R.
Laboratory Animal Science 39(2): 167-168
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-6764 PMID: 2709811 Document Number: 330568
Following an initial failure to control an infestation of a laboratory and office quarters in Washington, DC, by Monomorium pharaonis with routine insecticide treatment, the ants were studied to see if they were carriers of any bacterial pathogens or opportunists. Sterile blood agar plates, selected because of their nutrient and moisture content, were set ajar to allow entry of ants only to effect "sterile capture". The bacteria isolated included Serratia liquifasciens, S. marcescens, Citrobacter freundii, Klebsiella ozaenae [K. pneumoniae subsp. ozaenae], Enterobacter aerogenes, E. agglomerans, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, S. epidermidis, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Y. pestis. Liver pate, rather than honey, 1:1 (w/w) mint and apple jelly, or blood agar, was the best attractant for (3%) boric acid bait.