How to get rid of flying ants in your house

Most of the time, when you think of ants, you probably envision ants crawling across the ground and through the grass, building their ant mounds. However, there are certain species of ants, like some carpenter ants, that do have wings, swarm, and will fly. (Other species, like pharaoh ants, have wings before mating but do not fly.) Usually, this happens during key points of the year and indicates that a colony is about to build a nest somewhere around your home.

Many times people confuse flying ants and termites. However, there are distinctive differences between the two types of insects and they are important to know.

For an expert inspection for flying ants around your home, be sure to contact Ehrlich Pest Control to discuss the ant control tips and solutions best for you and schedule treatment services.

What are flying ants?

Flying ants aren’t genetic mutants. When ants gain the ability to fly, they’ve become sexually mature. They use their colony structure to their advantage, as the queen creates ants that are able to reproduce and, thus, help set up new colonies. The ants that are able to breed are referred to as “reproductive.” Once the queen produces them, worker ants make sure they stay fed as they go through their immature phases during the development process. When the colony is ready to expand naturally, the winged ants take flight.

Mature female and male ants fly away from their colonies with one goal: to mate. People who study bugs refer to this voyage as a “nuptial flight,” which is also called a “dispersal.” You may have heard it called a swarm. Flying makes it possible for ants to mate with ants from other areas. Ants are hardy creatures designed to thrive, which is one reason why they’re so hard to exterminate. Quite simply, they’re the ultimate survivors.

So, if you spot ants in your home and notice that they have wings, this is cause for alarm, as it means you may have an already-existing infestation on your hands.

How to get rid of flying ants

While flying ants are a temporary nuisance for most, infestations can become a persistent issue. Getting rid of flying ants often starts with simple DIY tactics, but if your ant problem persists, it may be time to seek help from professional ant control experts like Ehrlich.

DIY methods to remove flying ants

If you’re ready to tackle flying ants yourself, these DIY methods may help. Each approach has been chosen for its effectiveness and ease of use, helping you deal with winged ants safely and without harsh chemicals.

Glue boards and sticky traps

Placing glue board and sticky traps near windows and light sources is a simple DIY tactic for the short-lived reproductive ants. Since the ants are drawn towards light, ants can easily be trapped in the glue board and disposed of easily.

Vacuuming

Using a canister-type vacuum with an attachment is an easy way to remove visible reproductive ants. Ensure the canister or bag is disposed of outside.

DIY soap spray

Creating a soap spray with dish soap and water is a practical, easy way to kill flying ants. The soapy foam suffocates the ants, causing them to die on contact. Mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle and apply it directly to the ants. 

Herbs, spices, and essential oils

Certain herbs spices, and essential olls like peppermint and cinnamon, are natural ant repellents. Sprinkle them around the areas where you see winged ants to deter them. Peppermint oil can be temporarily effective when used as a spray.

Where do flying ants come from

These insects typically swarm in Spring or Fall, but they can swarm any season depending on the species, needs of the colony, and environmental conditions. Winged ants are drawn to light and enter points around homes, such as cracks in walls, crevices in windows, or open doors for adequate shelter.

Where do flying ants nest

Flying ants build their nests in various places, depending on the ant species. Inside homes, nests may be located in damp areas, within walls, under floorboards, or near leaks. Outdoors, ants typically nest under rocks, in soil, or around rotting wood.

What is the most common time of year to see flying ants

Flying ants are typically most active during Spring or Fall. This annual swarming event occurs when male and female ants emerge from their colonies to mate. The swarm typically lasts a few days to a few weeks, leading to a noticeable increase in sightings, and is often referred to as “flying ant day” in certain regions.

What are the dangers of flying ants

Although flying ants do not impose any immediate risks, they can become a long-term problem. If they find a suitable mate and a conducive area to form a nest, the proliferation of the nest can pose risks to structure and health depending on the species and length of infestation. 

When should you call the professionals at Ehrlich

Ehrlich Pest Control flying ant specialists can help seek out their nests and figure out how they are getting inside your home. Our pest control technicians also offer the most effective ant removal solutions to get rid of the existing colony and then search for solutions to prevent them from returning.

Don't try dealing with flying ants on your own. Contact Ehrlich Pest Control today and discuss getting rid of flying ants today.