What Are Flying Ants?
“Flying ants” are not a distinct species but represent the reproductive members of existing ant colonies. These winged individuals, known as alates, are typically mature male ants and virgin queens. Their appearance signals a phase in the ant colony’s life cycle, as they are produced for reproduction and establishing new colonies. The larger winged ants are queens, while the smaller ones are males.
Distinguishing Them From Other Insects
Many people confuse flying ants with termites, particularly during their swarming periods. While both insects have wings and can appear similar from a distance, distinct physical characteristics differentiate them. Observing these features can help determine if you are dealing with flying ants or termites.
Antennae
Flying ants possess bent or “elbowed” antennae, which have a noticeable angle in the middle. In contrast, termites have straight, beaded antennae that appear almost like a string of small dots.
Body Shape
Flying ants have a distinct, narrow, pinched waist that creates a clear separation between their thorax and abdomen, giving them a segmented appearance. Termites, however, have a broad, thick waist that is more uniform with the rest of their body, lacking the constricted appearance of ants.
Wings
Both flying ants and termites have four wings, but their sizes differ. Flying ants have two sets of wings where the front pair is noticeably longer and larger than the hind pair. Termite wings, on the other hand, are equal in length and size, with both pairs extending well beyond their body.
The Purpose of Their Flight
The emergence of winged ants is a biological event tied to the continuation and expansion of their species. This phenomenon, known as a “nuptial flight” or “mating flight,” involves a synchronized mass departure of reproductive ants from their parent colonies. During this flight, male ants (drones) and virgin queens leave their nests to mate, often mid-air. This airborne mating ritual ensures genetic diversity within the ant population by facilitating mating between individuals from different colonies, which helps prevent inbreeding.
Environmental conditions often trigger these nuptial flights, occurring on warm, humid days, particularly after rainfall. The moisture in the soil after rain makes it easier for newly mated queens to dig and establish a new nest. After mating, the male ants die, having fulfilled their reproductive role. The fertilized queen then sheds her wings and seeks a suitable location to establish a new colony, relying on stored nutrients to lay her first batch of eggs.
What to Do When You See Them
Encountering flying ants can be a common occurrence, especially during their swarming season. If you observe them outdoors, it is a normal and temporary natural event. They are focused on mating and establishing new colonies, and they do not pose a threat to people or property, unlike termites.
If flying ants appear indoors, it may suggest a mature ant colony is located inside or very close to your home. For small numbers, simply vacuuming them up and disposing of the vacuum bag outdoors can be effective. Sealing potential entry points, such as cracks around windows, doors, and foundations, can help prevent them from entering your living space. Maintaining a clean home by promptly cleaning up food spills and crumbs also reduces their attraction to indoor areas.
While most flying ants are not structurally destructive, carpenter ants can nest in wood, though they do not eat it like termites do. If a significant and persistent indoor presence of flying ants occurs, especially if you suspect a hidden colony, contact a pest control professional.