What’s worse than dealing with a swarm of ants in your presence? Simple. Ants who can grow wings and fly around the place!
Is this a new kind of ant species? Not quite. Actually, they are reproductive Queen and workers ants from an already existing species, who are sexually mature and ‘swarming’ the environment in search of a mate.
So, just like how worker ants are bred for the sole purpose of foraging food, reproductive ants are bred to help increase the ant population.
When a pair of flying Queen and worker ants mate – which they, believe it or not, do while in the air – the male ant dies, and the Queen heads to the ground in search of a suitable spot to start a nest. On top of this, the winged Queen sheds her wings.
There is no guarantee that a pregnant Queen will find a suitable place to start a nest. But, if she does, and the location of the nest is either outside or inside your premise, then you can expect an infestation in the coming weeks to months.
How to tell the Difference between Flying Ants and Termites
Before you can learn how to get rid of flying ants, first, you have to be sure that you actually have flying ants.
This is because both flying ants and termites are very similar in appearance. They both have two pairs of wings, are similar in size, and their flight patterns are similar too. You’d be forgiven for mistaking the two!
Fortunately, there is an easy way to tell them apart. Here’s how to tell the difference:
- Flying ants have two pairs of wings, however, the back pair of wings are shorter in length than the front pair.
- Termites have two pairs of wings, however, the back pair of wings are the same length as the front pair.
From there, you can use this information to distinguish between the two.
Flying Ants Inside vs outside
Your approach to the control of flying ants will depend on where you find them.
Generally speaking, it’s perfectly normal to see a swarm of flying ants outside in the warmer climate, as this is peak mating season. However, it still does mean the Queen (if successful) will start a new nest near your building. And, once that colony is established, you can expect a visit from those ants soon enough.
On the other hand, if you discover flying ants inside your place, then you have a problem. Why? Because it could mean you already have a nest of ants inside the structure of your property. They could be in the walls, the foundation, cracks in the structure, or anywhere else. Regardless, they have easy access to the inside of your house and they will make your life a misery.
For this reason, if you do find flying ants inside your property, you need to act quickly. You may need to enlist the help of a licensed pest expert, one who can access hard-to-reach places in your property and provide effective treatment.
How to Get Rid of Flying Ants
Below are some of the most effective ways to Get Rid of Flying Ants:
- Spot Treatment with spray
Pretty self-explanatory. If you see a swarm of flying ants, use a suitable commercial pest spray to be rid of them. Alternatively, you can create your own mixture in a spray bottle, comprised of one part liquid soap and two parts water enhanced with a few drops of peppermint oil.
- Suck ‘em up
Likewise, another form of spot treatment. Use a handheld or full-sized vacuum cleaner to suck up the flying pests, and then immediately replace the bag.
- Lay down Bait and Traps
You can choose from a range of insecticidal dust, baits, and surface sprays to eliminate the ants. Baits are one of the most effective types of treatment. When placed in a strategic location, the bait is consumed by the ants who return to the nest and infect then kill the entire colony. Regardless of which method you try, closely follow the instructions.
Having no luck? Call the Experts
If you are having no luck with DIY solutions, or you are concerned about a swarm of flying ants in your premise, contact All Bugs today.
Our licensed pest experts will assess your situation and propose a custom treatment plan to get rid of the infestation. From there, they will implement the treatment and monitor the program until the desired results have been achieved.
On top of this, they will offer advice and tips on how to minimise the risk of another infestation – giving you long term peace of mind.
Got a problem with flying ants? Contact All Bugs for free advice and a quote for the effective removal of flying ants.
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