§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures have been adopted by his Department to limit the spread of monomorium pharaonis.
§ Mr. Donald Thompson[holding answer 8 July 1988]None, but chargeable advice on the measures available to control this ant can be obtained from the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service's Slough laboratory.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when and by what means monomorium pharaonis was introduced into the United Kingdom; and what information he has about its current distribution and habitat.
§ Mr. Donald Thompson[holding answer 8 July 1988]The Pharaoh's ant (monomorium pharaonis) was first recorded in Britain in 1828, possibly as a result of accidental introduction on cargoes from tropical regions where the ant is endemic. It is now widely distributed throughout the United Kingdom although infestations are confined to permanently heated premises such as hospitals, bakers and large domestic apartment buildings. Nests are usually located in wall cavities, foundations and underground service ducting.