Key Takeaways
- Flying ants are identified by pinched waists and bent antennae, distinguishing them from wood-destroying termites.
- An indoor swarm is a high-priority warning that an ant colony is likely physically nesting inside your home’s structure.
- Swarms typically occur after heavy rainfall because softened soil is necessary for new queens to successfully establish nests.
- Large winged ants found near wooden structures are the most significant concern as they indicate potential carpenter ant damage.
- Mistaking termites for flying ants is the most critical risk to a homeowner, as termites require entirely different treatment to prevent structural failure.
Different Types of Flying Ants You’ll Find in North Carolina
Winged ants are a common sight in North Carolina in the spring and early summer. But what are they actually? Are they a special species of ants unto themselves? Actually, no. Winged ants or “flying ants” are the reproductive members of various ant species, often seen swarming during mating season.
Flying ants come in various species, sizes, and colors, each with unique habits and characteristics. This guide is to help you understand what flying ants are and determine which species of flying ants you’re dealing with based on a simple description.
What Are Flying Ants?
Flying ants are the “mating” caste of various common ant species. Winged ants may be both male and female ants, that, during specific times of year, often after it rains, create large swarms where they mate and start new colonies.
Flying ants are easily confused with termites because they look very similar. It’s important to be able to tell the difference because a termite infestation is a much more serious problem than an ant infestation.
>> Differences Between Flying Ants and Termites
Common Types of Flying Ants
Ants are tiny, and it’s often difficult to tell what kind of ant you’re looking at, so we’ve created this guide. From a basic description of the ant, we’ll tell you which species you’re most likely dealing with.
What Are “Black Flying Ants”?
One of the most common flying ants you’ll encounter is the black flying ant. The males and virgin queens develop wings and take part in what is known as a “nuptial flight” during the mating season. After mating, the females will lose their wings and look for a place to start a new colony, while the males die shortly after mating.
- Appearance: As the name suggests, black flying ants are typically black and measure around 3 to 5 mm. The queens, however, can grow up to 15 mm.
- Habits: Black flying ants are not aggressive and usually do not bite or sting. However, their sudden appearance in large swarms can be unsettling.
- Most Likely: Garden ants, black ants, or carpenter ants.
What Are “Red Flying Ants”?
Red flying ants are another type often seen during summer swarms.
- Appearance: Red flying ants are smaller than black ants, measuring 2 to 4 mm long. Their color ranges from reddish-brown to dark red.
- Habits: Unlike black flying ants, red flying ants, especially fire ants, can be aggressive and may bite or sting. Their stings can be painful and may cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Most Likely: Fire ants.
What Are “Large Flying Ants in the House”?
With winged queens measuring up to 25 mm, large flying ants in your house can be alarming.
- Appearance: They are usually black or dark brown and have noticeably large jaws.
- Habits: Carpenter ants are known to cause structural damage as they burrow into wood to create nests. If you spot large flying ants in your home, especially near or on wooden structures, it could indicate an established carpenter ant colony inside your house.
- Most Likely: Carpenter ants.
What Are “Small Black Ants with Wings”?
While most people associate flying ants with large swarms, you might also come across smaller varieties.
- Appearance: These ants are small, measuring 2 to 3 mm, and have a shiny black or brown body.
- Habits: These ants are generally harmless and do not pose a threat, but seeing them indoors might suggest the presence of an ant nest nearby.
- Most Likely: Black ants, garden ants, pharaoh ants.
What Are “Brown Flying Ants”?
Brown flying ants are frequently seen in North Carolina, particularly in suburban areas where landscaping and pavement provide ideal nesting sites.
- Appearance: These ants range from light tan to a medium chocolate brown. They are typically small to mid-sized, measuring between 3 mm and 5 mm.
- Habits: These ants are often “opportunistic” nesters. You may see them swarming near walkways, patios, or under foundation slabs. While they are mostly a nuisance, their presence in large numbers can be a sign of a massive colony living just beneath your feet.
- Most Likely: Pavement ants or Argentine ants.
What Are “Yellow or Golden Flying Ants”?
If you see a swarm of bright yellow or “golden” winged ants, you are likely looking at Citronella ants. These are often found in NC during the late summer or early autumn.
- Appearance: They are a distinct yellow or light amber color. When swarming, they can be mistaken for termites due to their size (around 4 mm to 8 mm).
- Habits: They get their name from the citrus-like, lemon scent they emit when crushed. These ants live underground and feed on the “honeydew” produced by aphids on plant roots. They do not forage for human food, so they are considered a “nuisance” pest rather than a structural threat.
- Most Likely: Citronella ants (also known as Large Yellow Ants).
Are There “Baby Flying Ants”?
Many people mistakenly refer to small flying ants as “baby flying ants,” but ants don’t develop wings at birth.
All ants start as eggs and go through the larval and pupal stages before becoming adults. The winged ants you see are adult ants that have matured into reproductive males or females. If you see very small-winged ants, they are likely just smaller species or young reproductive ants.
Common Flying Ant Characteristics
A few key characteristics are shared by most flying ants, setting them apart from other winged insects like termites.
- Flying ants have two pairs of wings, with the front wings noticeably larger than the back ones.
- This wing structure distinguishes them from other flying insects.
- Their waist; flying ants have a pinched, segmented waist, unlike termites with a thick, unsegmented one.
- Flying ants have bent, or “elbowed,” antennae, while termites’ antennae are straight.
Flying Ants and Flying Termites – Comparison
| Flying Ant | Termite Swarmer | |
| Body Shape | Pinched “Wasplike” waist | Straight, cigar-shaped body |
| Antennae | Elbowed (Bent) | Straight (like a string of beads) |
| Wing Length | Front wings longer than back | All four wings equal length |
| Visibility | Often seen in the open | Usually hide; swarm briefly |
Do Flying Ants Bite?
The answer is yes some do, but it depends on the species.
Black flying ants, for example, are typically harmless and do not bite or sting. On the other hand, red flying ants, particularly fire ants, can bite and sting, which can be quite painful.
Carpenter ants can bite, though they usually do so only if provoked. Their bites are not dangerous and generally cause only mild discomfort.
Why Do Flying Ants Swarm?
Flying ants swarm during their mating season. They’re most common in the spring and early summer. They often swarm after a heavy rain because rain helps soften the ground, making it easier for new queens to dig nests after mating.
These swarming ants are looking to establish new colonies, and this behavior is called a nuptial flight. While it can be startling to see large groups of ants flying around, the swarm usually disperses after a few hours.
How to Deal with Flying Ants in Your Home
If you encounter large or small flying ants in your home, acting quickly is essential. Ensure that windows, doors, and any cracks or gaps in your home are sealed properly. Ants are attracted to food, so clean up spills, crumbs, and other attractants.
If you see large numbers of flying ants near your house, it could indicate a nest nearby. Our professional ant exterminators can help identify the species and recommend appropriate treatment.
Expert Help for Identifying and Handling Flying Ants
While flying ants are a natural part of the ant life cycle, understanding the types of flying ants you might encounter can help you handle them effectively, prevent infestations and keep your home safe. Flying ants are generally harmless, but if you suspect they’re nesting in your home, it’s best to consult our ant experts for peace of mind.
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