Carpenter ants are common household pests, frequently noted for the damage they cause by excavating wood to build their nests. This behavior often leads to concerns about structural integrity. The simple answer to whether these insects can fly is yes; certain members of the colony develop wings for a specific purpose. This winged stage signals a major reproductive event.
The Reproductive Role of Winged Carpenter Ants
Only a small fraction of a carpenter ant colony develops wings; these reproductive individuals are known as alates. Alates include future queens and males, whose primary role is to leave the parent nest to mate and establish new colonies. The vast majority of the population consists of wingless worker ants, responsible for foraging, nest maintenance, and caring for the young.
The workers and the winged alates represent distinct castes. Alates are larger and possess two pairs of wings necessary for dispersal flight. After the mating flight, fertilized females shed their wings and become founding queens, while males die shortly after reproduction is complete.
The Timing and Significance of Swarming
The flight of the alates is part of a synchronized event called swarming or a nuptial flight, which usually occurs in the late spring or early summer. This timing is heavily dependent on environmental factors, typically triggered by warm temperatures and high humidity following a period of rain. The purpose of the swarm is to disperse the reproductive members to prevent inbreeding and to expand the species’ geographical range.
Seeing a swarm is a strong indication that a mature colony is located either nearby or within a structure. Carpenter ant colonies generally require between three and six years to reach the maturity necessary to produce these winged reproductives. If a major swarm is witnessed indoors, it suggests an active, well-established nest is present within the home’s wooden framework.
The presence of indoor swarmers, particularly during the winter or early spring, is a significant clue that the primary colony is nesting inside the building. This indicates a mature, internal infestation that needs attention.
Key Differences Between Flying Ants and Termites
Homeowners often confuse flying carpenter ants with flying termites, as both insects swarm and indicate a wood-infesting problem. Close observation of three physical characteristics can distinguish between the two pests.
The body shape of a carpenter ant has a distinctly pinched or narrow waist, which separates the thorax from the abdomen. This is unlike a termite, which has a broad, straight waist. Carpenter ant antennae are bent or “elbowed,” while a termite’s antennae are straight, often appearing like a string of small, uniform beads.
The wings are the final differentiating feature. While both insects have two pairs of wings, a flying carpenter ant’s front wings are noticeably longer than its back wings. Termite swarmers have four wings that are nearly equal in size and length.