Ants are resourceful creatures, always on the lookout for food and water. When you find them in your home, it’s a sign that they’ve discovered something worth staying for. But what if the ants you find have wings? That’s a different story. So, let’s talk about what’s happening and what it means when flying ants come into your home.
What Are Flying Ants?
Flying ants aren’t a separate species of ant. Actually, they’re alates – breeding ants embarking on a nuptial flight to start new colonies. Seeing them indoors means your home is on their radar as a potential nesting site.
How to Get Rid of Flying Ants
If you’ve identified flying ants in your home, there are several things you should do.
- Use ant control treatment on the flying ants: There will likely be a lot of flying ants, and you may not be able to get all of them, but getting as many as you can will help minimize the long-term impact.
- Continue to monitor the area: One thing is true when you see flying ants on your property: there will likely be a new ant colony nearby soon. Continue monitoring the area, and if you see more ants, you may need additional treatment.
- Seal entry points: Check for cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation. It will make it much harder for ants to get in next time.
- Eliminate food sources: Keep food in sealed containers, clean up crumbs, and fix any plumbing leaks that provide a water source.
- Use ant baits: Place ant baits near entry points. The ants will carry the bait back to their colony, helping to eliminate the source.
Common Types of Ants with Wings in the Southeastern U.S.
In the southeastern U.S., several types of ants may take flight during breeding season. While their wings might make them look similar, each type of ant brings its own challenges:
- Carpenter ants: Known for carving out galleries in wood to establish their nests, carpenter ants don’t eat wood like termites, but their excavation can weaken structures over time.
- Fire ants: Aggressive and known for their painful stings, fire ants are a threat to both people and pets. Winged fire ants signal the start of a new colony, potentially close to your home.
- Pharaoh ants: Tiny but formidable, Pharaoh ants are known for spreading rapidly and can be a nightmare to control.
- Crazy ants: True to their name, crazy ants are erratic in movement and challenging to eliminate.
Should You Be Concerned About Flying Ants?
Flying ants themselves are generally harmless—they’re not interested in you, your family, or your pets. Their primary goal is to find a mate and establish a new colony. However, their presence should still be a cause for concern, mainly because it often precedes a full-blown ant infestation.
The real danger lies in the possibility that what you think are flying ants might actually be flying termites. While ants are typically a nuisance, termites can wreak havoc on your home’s structure, leading to costly repairs. Misidentifying termites as ants can delay necessary treatment, allowing these destructive insects more time to cause damage.
What’s the Difference Between Flying Ants and Termites?
Understanding the difference between flying ants and flying termites is crucial because one is a major issue while the other is a minor nuisance. If you have termites, we recommend calling termite control as soon as possible.
Here are three easy ways to tell the difference between ants and termites:
- Waist: Ants have a narrow, pinched waist, while termites have a thicker, more uniform body shape.
- Wings: Ants have two sets of wings of different lengths, whereas termites have wings of equal length.
- Antennae: Ants’ antennae are bent or elbowed, while termites’ antennae are straight.
For more information on termites vs ants, check out our full length article >> How to Tell the Difference Between Termites and Ants
Termite and Ant Control Experts You Can Trust
Flying ants in your home are a signal that an infestation may be on the horizon. Whether you’re dealing with ants or the more dangerous possibility of termites, it’s essential to act quickly.
At Rocket Pest Control, we specialize in comprehensive ant control and termite control services. Take the first step – call us today for a free estimate!
