Ugh, flying ants. Just when you thought you’d seen the last of winter pests, these guys show up. Also known as alates, flying ants are a common annoyance during the summer months, especially when it’s warm and humid.
Don’t worry. This guide will give you the lowdown on flying ant behavior, plus strategies for keeping them away and getting rid of them if they’ve already moved in.
It’s also important to tell the difference between flying ants and termites. We’ll help you spot the key differences so you can figure out exactly what you’re dealing with and rid your house of these unwanted guests.
Identifying flying ants and their behavior
If you’ve spotted flying ants, it’s helpful to understand what they are and why they’re buzzing around.
What are alates?
Flying ants, also known as alates, are reproductive ants. These winged ants are on a mission to create new colonies.
The female flying ants tend to be larger than the males.
Understanding swarming behavior
Flying ants swarm to mate and establish new colonies. That’s why you’ll often see a flurry of activity when they emerge.
Ant activity typically hits its peak in July, especially on warm, calm days.
You may have heard of “Flying Ant Day.” This term refers to a period of intense swarming activity. It’s not necessarily a single day, but rather a time when conditions are just right for flying ants to take to the skies.
What attracts flying ants to your home?
Flying ants, like all ants, are on the lookout for food, water, and shelter. They’re also looking for a place to mate. They may enter your home in search of these things.
Inside, flying ants may be attracted to:
- Food: Homes offer a lot of tempting food and moisture. Keep sugary foods sealed and surfaces clean. Even crumbs can attract them.
- Damp wood: Ant colonies love to make their homes in moist, rotting wood.
Outside, flying ants are attracted to:
- Sunlight
- Open areas
- Decaying wood
- Sugary substances
Preventing flying ant infestations: Sealing and sanitation
The best way to get rid of flying ants is to make sure they don’t come inside in the first place. Here’s how to make your home a less attractive place for them.
Sealing entry points
Start by sealing all possible entry points. Look for cracks around your windows, doors, vents, and foundation. Seal those openings with caulk or weather stripping. Don’t forget to check for any crumbling sections in the foundation itself.
Maintaining a clean and dry environment
Proper food storage is key. Keep food in airtight containers and on high-up shelves. Keep your surfaces spotless by wiping counters, sweeping floors, mopping up spills, and emptying the wastebaskets regularly.
Flying ants, like other insects, are attracted to moisture, so fix any damp spots and address any other moisture issues that might have attracted the colony in the first place.
Using insect screens
Finally, make sure you’re using insect screens on your doors and windows.
Getting Rid of Flying Ants: DIY and Professional Solutions
So, you’ve got flying ants. What now? Here are some ways to get rid of them, from quick fixes to calling in the pros.
Immediate Removal Techniques
- Vacuuming: It sounds simple, but vacuuming up the ants you see is a fast way to reduce their numbers.
- Sealing Trails: Flying ants leave scent trails for others to follow, so seal up any cracks or openings where you see them coming in.
Scent-Based Deterrents
Flying ants are highly sensitive to scent, so using strong smells can disrupt their trails and deter them. Try these:
- Essential oils, cinnamon, or black pepper: Sprinkle these around entry points.
- Ant-repellent incense: Incense sticks containing ant-repelling scents can also be effective.
Insecticidal Baits
These baits are designed to attract worker ants, who then carry the poison back to the colony, effectively eliminating it. Place the bait near where you see the ants entering.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried these methods and the flying ants keep coming back, it’s time to call an exterminator. A professional can assess the situation and provide more targeted and effective solutions.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to flying ants, prevention is truly the best medicine. By taking steps to keep them from getting inside in the first place, you can avoid a full-blown infestation.
Seal up any cracks or crevices, keep your kitchen clean and dry, and fix leaky pipes or damp spots.
If flying ants do make it inside, you can try vacuuming them up, using scent-based deterrents, or setting out insecticidal baits. If these DIY methods don’t work, it may be time to call in a professional pest control service.
Whatever you do, don’t ignore the problem. The sooner you take action, the easier it will be to get rid of flying ants and keep them from coming back.