It’s that time of year again – ants are swarming! If you’ve noticed large ants with wings appearing in your home, you’re not alone. While the sudden arrival of winged ants can be alarming, there’s no need to panic. These ants are simply going through their natural reproductive cycle, which causes colonies to produce winged ants that leave the nest to mate and start new colonies elsewhere. Here’s a closer look at what’s going on and how to handle it.
What are these big ants with wings?
The ants you’re seeing are reproductive ants, also called swarmers or alates. Most of the year, ant colonies are made up of worker ants – wingless sterile females that take care of the queen, forage for food, and maintain the nest. But when ants mate, they produce males and new queens that grow wings. These winged ants leave the nest for their nuptial flight.
Once mated, the males die and the new queens chew off their wings. The queens then attempt to start a new colony. Sometimes, part of this mating process brings the winged ants into your home. Common ant species that swarm indoors include:
- Carpenter ants – Large black ants that nest in wood.
- Odorous house ants – Small brownish black ants with a rotten coconut odor when crushed.
- Pavement ants – Small brown or black ants that nest outdoors under stones.
- Pharaoh ants – Tiny yellow or light brown ants common in multi-unit housing.
Seeing ants with wings means the colony is mature and large enough to reproduce. While it may seem like an invasion, try not to panic. This is normal behavior, and the winged ants will likely move on in a few days.
When and why do ants grow wings?
Ants mate and produce winged swarmers at certain times of the year. This is often dictated by warming temperatures and humidity levels outdoors. Common swarming seasons include:
- Late winter to early spring
- Late spring to early summer
- Late summer to early fall
Outdoor conditions stimulate the ant colony to start creating winged reproductive ants that will leave the nest and mate. This mating flight allows the ants to disperse and form new colonies. It prevents inbreeding and overcrowding of existing colonies. Once the winged ants emerge, they are focused on mating and won’t sting or bite. Their sole mission is to reproduce before they die.
What should I do about flying ants inside?
Seeing flying ants emerge inside can be unsettling, but they are usually just passing through. Here are some tips for dealing with winged ants indoors:
- Open windows – This allows the ants to exit on their own.
- Turn off lights – Lights can attract gathering swarms. Leave them off at night.
- Remove food sources – Clean up any crumbs or spills that could attract ants.
- Don’t squash them – Killing the winged ants won’t solve an infestation.
- Find the colony – Check for ants nesting indoors or entering from outside.
- Call an exterminator – If there is an ant colony on your property, get professional help.
Winged ants flying around can be frustrating, but no action is needed beyond some simple clean up. Vacuuming or sweeping up the wandering swarmers is sufficient in most cases. The key is not to panic and exterminate them. If large swarms appear over several days, it likely indicates a sizable colony nearby that should be eliminated.
Are flying ants dangerous?
Rest assured that winged ants swarming through your home are not dangerous. Here are some key points about why they pose no threat:
- They don’t sting or bite – Male ants and new queens cannot sting, as they do not have stingers.
- They don’t spread disease – Ants do not carry human pathogens or diseases.
- They don’t eat your home – Carpenter ants damage wood, but only nesting colonies, not swarmers.
- They don’t eat much – Swarmers have full bellies to sustain their flight and won’t forage for food.
- They are not aggressive – Swarmers are focused on mating, not protecting the colony.
Sometimes the large numbers make them intimidating, but they are harmless. Simply opening windows and cleaning up after the swarms departs is all you need to do. Ant swarmers look worse than they are – it’s best not to aggravate them or spray harsh chemicals. Remain calm and let them move on.
How do I get rid of flying ants in my house?
To get rid of flying ants inside, focus on removing attractions, sealing entry points, and eliminating nearby colonies:
- Clean up food spills and residue to remove food sources.
- Take out garbage frequently so it doesn’t become an attractant.
- Make sure windows and doors seal tightly so ants can’t get in.
- Caulk cracks in walls or siding that ants could enter through.
- Inspect your property to find and remove outdoor ant colonies.
- Hire a pest control professional for severe infestations.
Vacuuming and sweeping winged ants is good for immediate relief indoors. But you also need to find and eliminate the source colony to prevent future swarms. This may require extensive outdoor searches, bait placement, and calling an exterminator. Destroying the indoor swarmers alone won’t stop the problem long term.
How do you kill flying ants naturally?
There are a few natural methods that can help deter and kill flying ants without harsh chemicals:
- Diatomaceous earth – Sprinkle this abrasive powder in ant entry points.
- Borax – Mix with sugar water to attract and kill ants.
- Vinegar – Wipe down surfaces to remove pheromone trails.
- Lemon juice – Squirt directly on ants to kill them naturally.
- Cucumber peels – Leave near ant nests as a deterrent.
- Cinnamon – Sprinkling cinnamon repels ants.
When ants invade your home, resist the urge to attack them aggressively with toxic sprays. These natural methods allow you to eliminate the winged ants without putting your family at risk. Combining natural deterrents with sealing cracks and eliminating colonies is the best overall approach.
When should I call an exterminator for flying ants?
In most cases, ant swarmers appearing in your home can be managed through basic cleaning and exclusion. But if you have severe, recurring infestations of flying ants, it may be time to bring in a professional exterminator. Signs that you need professional help include:
- Swarmers appear frequently or in huge numbers.
- You can’t locate the colony source.
- There are several colonies on your property.
- Getting rid of one colony doesn’t solve the problem.
- DIY solutions have failed to wipe out the ants.
- Carpenter ants are damaging your home’s wood structure.
A qualified exterminator has the expertise and chemical treatments to fully eliminate ant colonies. They can trace ants back to the nest to destroy it at the source. For severe infestations spread across your property, professional control is advised. Make sure to hire a pest control company, not just a general handyman.
Conclusion
Swarming ants can be an annoying seasonal nuisance in your home. But they are simply pursuing their natural mating behaviors and are not dangerous or aggressive invaders. With some basic cleaning and exclusion tactics, they can be safely guided back outdoors. Identify and eliminate colonies if ants continue to appear year after year. Calling a pest management professional is advisable for severe infestations to wipe out large or inaccessible ant nesting sites. Stay calm, don’t spray harsh chemicals, and rest assured the winged ants will move on in a few days with minimal intervention on your part.
