Typically, the ants you find in your yard or home are wingless. However, at certain times of the year you may spot ants that have wings. These ants are looking for mates and preparing to establish new colonies. We’ve gathered information about flying ants so that you’ll be prepared for their arrival.
What Are Flying Ants?
Flying ants are called alates, and they are the reproductive ants in a colony. Both female and male ants can have wings. These ants will leave the nest during mating season to establish new colonies. When this occurs, ants will gather in large groups. After mating, queen ants will search for a place to build a small nest and lay eggs. The queens lose their wings after they mate. Male winged ants die after mating.
When Are Flying Ants Active?
Ants will usually swarm in late spring or early summer. Different species will swarm at different times. Ants prefer to swarm when temperatures are warm. It is common for swarming to take place after heavy rainfall. Some ant species will swarm during the day, and other species will swarm at night. Ants usually choose an open area for their mating flight.
Flying Ants vs Termites
Flying ants can be mistaken for termites because of their similar appearance. However, there are things that can help you correctly identify them. Ants have bent antennae, while termites have straight antennae. A flying ant has two sets of brown-tinted wings that are different lengths. Termites have clear wings, and both pairs of wings are the same length. Flying ants will have a pinched waist, and termites have a straight waist. Most flying ant species will not cause damage, except for carpenter ants that construct nests in wood.
Are Flying Ants Dangerous?
Flying ants are typically found outdoors, but some may end up inside. If you notice one or two ants in your home, they likely made their way inside when a door or window was open. There is also a chance they were attracted to sources of food or water. If a large number of swarming ants are in your space, there’s a good chance that an established colony is close by. Ants can build nests in walls, so it is important to track down the colony’s location so that you can take steps to eliminate the infestation.
How to Get Rid of Flying Ants
If flying ants are hanging out in your home, there are things you can do to get rid of them. Check out a few tips to help you kick these pests out of your house.
- Seal Entry Points: To prevent ants from getting into your home, you’ll want to make sure there aren’t spots where they can sneak inside. Examine your home for cracks or holes, and seal any you find. Make sure your doors and windows have screens without any tears.
- Minimize Food & Moisture: If ants can find something to eat or water, they will be more likely to stick around your space. Remove potential food sources like crumbs and sticky residues. Check for leaky pipes or dripping faucets, and repair them to minimize moisture build-up.
- Check for & Repair Damp Wood: Carpenter ants like to construct nests in damp or rotting wood. You’ll want to repair or replace damaged wood in your home. It’s also important to identify and take care of the source of the water issue.
- Use Plant-Based Insecticide Sprays: Insecticide sprays, like our Ant & Roach Killer, work well for spot-treating the occasional ant. Our Ant & Roach Killer is formulated with plant oils as the active ingredients. It kills ants and has repellent properties.
- Use Ant Baits: For infestations, ant baits are your best defense against these pesky bugs. Our No Spill Ant Kill and our Ant Killer Bait attract and kill common household ants. They are formulated to allow the ants to eat the bait and return to the nest to share the bait with the rest of the colony, helping to kill the queen ant and eradicate the infestation.
- Use an Insecticide Dust: Dusts, like our Spider & Insect Dust, can also help to eliminate ant infestations. It works as a contact killer and can be applied to ant nests. You’ll want to cover the nest with the dust and gently puff the dust into the nest entrance. This can be repeated after a few days if ants are still present.
Spotting flying ants can be concerning, especially if they make their way indoors. Knowing what to expect can help you to prevent an infestation. If you’re dealing with ants, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution when used as directed.