Why flying ants

So how do you know if it is a termite or an ant? Look for:. If it has these characteristics, it is a carpenter ant. Carpenter arts are also more likely to be seen out in the open than are termites. While both carpenter ants and termites can be very destructive to homes, the two species are different because termites eat the wood in which they tunnel, but carpenter ants only nest in it and do not eat it.

Another difference between carpenter ants and termites is the frass wood dust, soil, and insect parts that is often found beneath openings to the carpenter ants' nest. Whether the winged ant you see is a carpenter ant or a termite, the wings mean that the insect is a reproductive male or queen—the only members of an ant colony that can reproduce. Ants and termites swarm to mate, then the males die, having done their duty, and the queens drop their wings to find a nesting site. Because of this, a winged ant seen indoors during the summer may just mean that it flew in from outside.

It will likely die before it can find a good nesting site, and no pest control is needed for the ant. But because the ants are not active outdoors in the winter, a flying ant seen indoors at this time most likely means that the ants are nesting within the structure.

Flying carpenter ants are larger than normal house ants, as much as 1 inch long. If carpenter ants is the species infesting your home, it's important to remove and replace any rotten, decaying wood in the walls or under the floors, as this decaying material is what fosters the ant colony.

This can sometimes be quite an involved project if the damage is extensive, probably requiring the work of a professional contractor. But you can't guarantee that you've fully rid your home of carpenter ants unless you have removed the decaying wood that they nest in.

Ant baits are generally fairly harmless substances, but you should still take precautions to set them in areas where pets and children can't reach them. Ant baits contain sweet substances that attract ants and which can also be tasty to pets. Some insecticidal sprays and dusts are mildly toxic to pets and humans and should be used carefully and selectively —aimed directly at visible ants, not applied indiscriminately. Flying ants are found in the home for the same reason as crawling ants: there are sources of food and moisture and areas for establishing colonies.

Most species of ants feed on ordinary food substances, and they can colonize in almost any dark, hidden area. If you see flying ants, it means the hidden colony is well established, capable of fostering reproducing ants. However, if you identify carpenter ants, it's because they have found decaying wood somewhere in your home, probably hidden in the walls near ground level or under the floors.

Carpenter ants don't eat this decaying wood like termites do, but they use it to carve out tunnels and galleries in which to nest. The presence of carpenter ants means there is decaying wood somewhere.

The best way to prevent any ant species from infesting your home is to eliminate food sources. Make sure foods are kept stored in closed containers, and keep floors and countertops uniformly clean.

Sweet or greasy materials are especially attractive to ants. Make sure pet foods are stored in tight containers, and keep spilled pet foods swept up. Even if you think the ant problem has been treated, there's always the potential for another swarm in the future. Seal any cracks around the windows and baseboards or in the walls to stop a possible second invasion. To prevent carpenter ants, make sure to regularly inspect and repair decaying wood.

Structural walls near ground level can be especially prone to rot, especially in warm, damp climates and when homes are built on slab foundations. Flying ants take flight to mate, gathering in massive clusters, then return to an existing nest or seek out a new one. Flying ants do not bite, and they pose no danger to humans.

However, winged ants look a lot like termites—a pest that can be a significant problem if you don't treat them properly. Identify the insects by looking for key features:. While carpenter ants will carve out tunnels and galleries in decaying wood in order to nest, termites actually consume the wood, which means the damage they cause can be much more severe.

Most species of ants are not stinging insects, though some can inflict bites, usually defensively. Unlike mosquitoes and some flies, ants that have taken to the air have no interest in biting you. The flying phase of an ant's lifecycle last just a day or two for males, but the female may continue flying until it mates, at which time it severs its own wings and begins crawling to seek a new nesting spot. Destruction caused by carpenter ants in your New Jersey home Damaged wood As mentioned, carpenter ants carve galleries inside wood.

Doors malfunctioning Doors may begin to stick or not close properly if carpenter ant damage is severe enough. Windows malfunctioning Windows may become more and more difficult to open and close as well.

Walls, floors, and ceilings warping Walls may begin to bulge, floors may begin to sag, and ceilings may start to warp if carpenter ant damage is severe enough. How to get rid of carpenter ants in New Jersey Visual inspections Examine the outside walls and foundation of your home and seal up any gaps or cracks you can find. Remove food sources Open garbage, pet food bowls, barbecue leftovers, etc.

Remove water sources All pests require water. Keep vegetation trimmed back away from your home Ants and other pests use these as bridges to access the outside of your home. Professional carpenter ant control in New Jersey If you have seen large black or red flying ants, or any of the other signs of a carpenter ant infestation, don't wait until the damages are severe.

Don't let carpenter ant damage hurt your wallet, contact us today for help! Is a year-round program that provides full interior and exterior service. Service includes a one-time interior service per year and two exterior treatments. Starting at. Move the slider left to right based on your homes sq foot size for an estimated cost for services.

Home in sq ft up to 2, Home in sq ft 3,, Home in sq ft 4,, Request Inspection. Like other insects, flying ants are attracted to sweet delicious treats, such as honey.

To keep them away from your home , some of the things you can do include keeping kitchen surfaces clean, sealing bins, keeping food out of sight and mopping floors to ensure there is no ant trail. While prevention is the best way to get rid of them, you can try to banish their presence by using all-natural spray with peppermint oil. Fill a few droplets into a spray bottle, add with water or dish soap and then mix well.

It might not stop them coming back, but it will certainly reduce their current presence. Winged ants emerge over several weeks, usually in high and humid temperatures. Another reason ants stay around in large numbers is to increase the chance of reproduction, as bigger groups will mean they won't have to look far to mate. No, flying ants aren't bad or dangerous.