Flying ants are reproductive alates, which are young male ants and new queens emerging from the nest for a mating flight. This synchronized emergence typically occurs on humid, warm days following a period of rain, often during the summer months. These winged individuals signal a mature ant colony preparing to reproduce.
Confirming the Pest: Ants vs. Termites
Before beginning any treatment, it is important to confirm the winged insect is a flying ant and not a termite swarmer, as termites require a different and often more urgent professional intervention. Flying ants possess a distinctly segmented body with a pinched, narrow waist, giving them an hourglass appearance. In contrast, termites have a thick, uniform body lacking any noticeable constriction between the thorax and abdomen.
Examining the antennae also helps differentiate the species, as ants have elbowed or bent antennae, while termites have straight, bead-like antennae. Both insects have two pairs of wings, but a flying ant’s front wings are noticeably larger than the back wings. Termite swarmers have four wings of equal length that are often shed shortly after swarming.
Quick Elimination of Flying Swarmers
When a swarm is active, immediate action is needed to eliminate the flying individuals, though this will not affect the underground colony. Aerosol insecticides containing pyrethrins or synthetic pyrethroids are highly effective contact killers for aerial swarms. These compounds are derived from chrysanthemum flowers and work by rapidly disrupting the insect’s nervous system, causing paralysis and quick death.
A simple, non-toxic solution can be mixed by combining liquid dish soap and water in a spray bottle. The detergent in the soap solution breaks down the waxy, protective outer layer of the ant’s exoskeleton. Once this layer is compromised, the insect rapidly loses internal moisture, leading to dehydration and death. The soapy water also clogs the spiracles, which are the small breathing pores on the insect’s body.
For a large, localized swarm, a strong jet of water from a garden hose can be an effective physical control method. The force of the water immediately knocks the insects out of the air, and many will drown if they are unable to escape the resulting puddles. This method is best used for swarms concentrated on a patio or a section of the lawn, providing instant knockdown without the use of chemical products.
Destroying the Colony and Nest
Long-term control requires eliminating the source of the swarm: the colony itself, which is often subterranean. Locating the nest entrance is the first step, typically identified by small piles of excavated soil, or by following the established ant traffic patterns leading to a crack in pavement or a crevice in the foundation. Once the nest is located, methods must be employed that ensure the toxic agent is carried back to the queen and developing larvae.
Insecticidal baits, available in granular, liquid, or gel formulations, are designed to exploit the ants’ social behavior of sharing food through trophallaxis. These baits contain a slow-acting poison disguised in an attractive food source, such as Indoxacarb, Fipronil, or Hydramethylnon. The worker ants consume the bait and carry it back, sharing it with the rest of the colony before the poison takes effect, leading to the gradual elimination of the queen and the entire population.
Insecticide dusts, which often contain active ingredients like Deltamethrin or Boric Acid, can be applied directly into visible nest entrances, cracks, or crevices. Ants walking through the fine powder pick up the particles on their bodies and then ingest the poison while grooming themselves or transfer it to the colony. Boric acid functions as a stomach poison, while Deltamethrin disrupts the nervous system.
Controlling excess moisture near the home can make the area less attractive for new or existing colonies. Ants are often drawn to damp soil or decaying wood, which provides a favorable environment for nest construction and development. Eliminating standing water, fixing leaky faucets, and ensuring gutters drain away from the foundation reduces the availability of these attractive resources.