Ants are a common sight, especially during the warmer months. Winged ants, also known as “flying ants,” are the reproductive members of their colonies, often seen swarming during mating season. Flying ants come in various species, sizes, and colors, each with unique habits and characteristics. Read on to discover the different types of flying ants, how to identify them, and what you can do if you spot them.
What Are Flying Ants?
Flying ants are not a separate species but are winged forms of ants that belong to various ant species. These winged ants are typically male and female ants whose primary role is reproduction. During specific times of the year, typically after rain, these ants swarm large numbers to mate and start new colonies.
Common Types of Flying Ants
Black Flying Ants
One of the most common flying ants you’ll encounter is the black flying ant. These ants are the winged version of the typical black garden ants (Lasius niger). 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.
Red Flying Ants
Red flying ants, part of species like red pavement ants or fire 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, some species of 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.
Large Flying Ants in House
Large flying ants in your house can be alarming, especially if they are carpenter ants. These ants are among the largest flying ants, with winged queens measuring up to 25 mm (nearly an inch).
Appearance: Carpenter ants are large, and their winged forms are even larger. 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.
Small Black Ants with Wings
While most people associate flying ants with large swarms, you might also come across smaller varieties. Small black ants with wings are usually from the same species as regular black garden ants, but some species, like the Pharaoh ant, can also develop winged forms.
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.
Baby Flying Ants: Fact or Myth?
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.
Identifying Flying Ants
Wondering how to identify flying ants? There are a few key characteristics that set them apart from other insects. First, 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. Another important feature is their waist; flying ants have a pinched, segmented waist, unlike termites with a thick, unsegmented one. Lastly, flying ants have bent, or “elbowed,” antennae, while termites’ antennae are straight. Understanding these differences will help you identify flying ants and distinguish them from termites, which can be a more severe problem if they infest your home.
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. Fire ants are known for their painful bites and stings, while most other flying ants are more of a nuisance than a threat.
Why Do Flying Ants Swarm?
Flying ants swarm during their mating season, typically after heavy rain. 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.