Ants are common in homes and gardens, but their presence becomes particularly noticeable when some sprout wings and take to the air. These winged ants, often mistaken for other insects, can cause alarm and confusion for homeowners. Are they a new threat, or just regular ants in a different form?
Understanding the difference between flying ants and regular ants can be important for several reasons—whether you’re simply curious about the wildlife around you or worried about a potential pest control issue. In this guide, we’ll help you identify each type, explore the reasons behind their different appearances and behaviours, and explain how to handle them if they invade your space.
What Are Flying Ants?
Flying ants are not a separate type of ant; they are regular ants with wings that go on a “mating flight.” This flight is a natural part of their life, helping the colony grow by creating new nests. You’ll mostly see flying ants during certain seasons, especially warm weather. They are larger than regular ants and have clear wings, making them easy to spot when they swarm in large numbers. This swarming often happens simultaneously, so it’s hard to miss.
What Are Regular Ants?
Regular ants don’t have wings and are generally smaller than flying ants. These ants are the colony workers, responsible for daily tasks like gathering food and protecting their nest. They move around in search of food, often following scent trails. You’ll usually see them crawling along paths indoors or outdoors, but they don’t fly or swarm. Their main job is to support the colony, and their smaller, wingless bodies make them easy to tell apart from flying ants.
Key Differences Between Flying Ants and Regular Ants
Physical Characteristics
Regular Ant:
- Regular ants are typically smaller and lack wings, giving them a more compact appearance.
- They have three distinct body segments: head, thorax, and abdomen, which are easy to identify.
Flying Ant:
- Flying ants are generally larger in appearance due to their wings, with two sets of wings (front wings are typically longer than back wings).
- Their wings can make them appear more prominent and intimidating to homeowners.
Behavioural Patterns
Regular Ant:
- Regular ants are ground-based and usually move in lines or trails, especially when foraging for food.
- They don’t swarm or fly, making them less noticeable in large groups compared to flying ants.
Flying Ant:
- Flying ants exhibit a unique behaviour called “swarming,” where they gather in large groups and fly to mate.
- They fly for short distances but are attracted to light sources and may gather around windows or lights.
Seasonal Presence
Regular Ant:
- Regular ants can be seen year-round, especially in places with access to food and water.
- They’re more common indoors during cooler months when they seek warmth and food.
Flying Ant:
- Flying ants are mostly seen during their mating season, often in warmer months.
- Their presence is usually short-lived, disappearing once the mating process is complete.
Are Flying Ants Dangerous?
Flying ants may look alarming when they appear in large numbers, but they’re generally not harmful. Here’s what you should know:
- Health Risks: Flying ants don’t usually cause any harm to people. They aren’t aggressive and rarely bite or sting, so they’re not dangerous to your health.
- Damage to Homes: Flying ants don’t usually damage homes, but certain types, like carpenter ants, can cause problems. Carpenter ants sometimes dig through the wood to make their nests, which can weaken the wooden parts of a house over time. However, they don’t eat wood like termites do.
- Flying Ants vs. Regular Ants: Regular ants are more likely to become problematic if they invade your kitchen or food storage areas. Flying ants are usually just a temporary concern, appearing only during mating season.
How to Identify and Prevent an Ant Infestation
Identifying an ant infestation early can help you tackle the problem before it gets out of hand. Here’s how to spot and prevent both flying and regular ants in and around your home:
Identifying Ants Indoors and Outdoors
- Flying Ants: Look for swarms near windows, lights, or other bright areas, especially during warmer months. Flying ants often gather in groups and are noticeable due to their wings.
- Regular Ants: Watch for lines or trails of ants, especially near food sources like kitchen counters, cabinets, or pet food areas. Outdoors, you may see them around soil, mulch, or pavement cracks.
Prevention Tips
- Keep It Clean: Regularly wipe down surfaces, especially in the kitchen. Store all food in sealed containers, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
- Seal Gaps: Check for any cracks around windows, doors, and walls. Use caulk or weather-stripping to block these entry points.
- Control Moisture: Fix any leaks and keep areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements dry, as ants attract moisture.
- Dispose of Trash Regularly: Take out the trash frequently and use bins with tight-fitting lids to reduce attractants.
- Clear Outdoor Clutter: Keep firewood, plants, and debris away from the house, as these can be ant nesting spots near your home.
How Pestong Can Help You with Ant Infestations
If you’re dealing with an ant problem, Pestong Pest & Animal Control offers reliable solutions to remove both flying and regular ants, keeping your home safe and ant-free:
- Ant Inspection: Our experts start with a detailed inspection to determine the severity of the infestation and correctly identify the type of ant. This allows us to choose the right method for lasting results.
- Targeted Treatments: We use specific treatments for each type of ant. We focus on stopping their swarming behaviour for flying ants to prevent further spreading. For regular ants, our treatments go deep to reach the colony and eliminate it.
- Preventive Measures: To prevent ants from returning, we offer preventive treatments that block entry points so your home stays protected year-round.
Contact us today if you want peace of mind and a truly ant-free home. Let us handle the hard work with professional, effective ant control you can count on.
Conclusion
Identifying the right type of ant is essential for effective pest control. Knowing whether you’re dealing with flying ants or regular ants helps you choose the right ant pest control service to prevent damage and infestations from spreading. With Pestong’s professional services, you can be confident that the job will be done right, ensuring long-term results. Don’t let ants take over your home—if you need professional help, Pestong is ready with expert services to keep your home safe and ant-free.
