Have you seen a flying ant in your home? Worried about whether or not it's a problem? Following are some of the most common questions and answers about these winged insects.
- Q. Why do some ants have wings and other don't?
A. Wings and flight on both carpenter ants and termites mean that it is a reproductive male or queen—the only members of an ant colony that can reproduce. Ants and termites swarm to mate, after which the males die, having fulfilled their life's purpose, and the queens drop their wings to seek a nesting site.
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- Q. I am seeing ants with wings in my home. Is this a problem?
A. The sudden appearance of swarming ants or termites in flight is not a good sign – it is, in fact, one of the first signs of indoor infestation. This is especially true if it's winter and you have seen more than one—this means that there is a strong likelihood that there is a carpenter ant nest within the structure.
 - Q. What if I see ants in my home during the summer?
A. If you've seen a winged ant or two indoors during the summer, it does not necessarily mean there is a problem; it could have flown in through an open door, and is likely to die without finding a place to nest. But because the ants are not active outdoors in the winter, a flying ant seen indoors at this time means that the ants are nesting within the structure.
 - Q. Is the same true of termites?
A. Somewhat. It is rare for termites to swarm at all in the winter, but they have been known to do so in warm areas of infested buildings.
 - Q. What is the difference between ants and termites?
A. Carpenter ants have:- dark-colored bodies.
- narrow waists.
- elbowed (bent) antennae.
- back wings shorter than front wings.
- thick, almost undistinguishable waists.
- straight antennae.
- wings of the same size.
- Q. Are there differences in what they do?
A. Yes. Although both carpenter ants and termites can be very destructive to structures, termites eat the wood in which they tunnel, while carpenter ants only nest in it; they do not eat it. Thus another distinguishing factor of carpenter ants is the frass (wood dust, soil, and insect parts) that is often found beneath openings to the nest. Also, carpenter arts are more likely to be seen out in the open than are termites. While carpenter ants may be found nesting in dry wood, they are more likely to be found in wood that is wet, damp, and/or rotting.
 - Q. So what do I do to control carpenter ants?
A. There are a few options for treatment:- Insecticides. If the carpenter ants are nesting indoors, an insecticide can be the best option. Insecticidal dusts, labeled for carpenters ants and for indoor household use, can be injected into the area(s) in which the ants are nesting. Small holes may need to be drilled if the area can't be accessed another way.
 - Perimeter Spray. If there are nests outdoors and the ants are coming in, a perimeter treatment – the application of a granular or liquid insecticide to an area about 2- to 4-feet wide all around the perimeter of the home with a product labeled for control of carpenter ants can provide some control. Application should be made in the spring and fall following all label directions.
 - Baits. Baits will take longer for full control, but they can be easier and safer to use, and the most effective. The foraging ants will pick up the bait and carry it back to the colony and queen, eventually eliminating the entire colony. Use only products labeled for carpenter ants. Not only is it illegal to use an insecticide on an unlabeled pest, it is unlikely that a bait not labeled for carpenter ants will be attractive to or effective against them.
 - Insecticide sprays. These will not be effective against foraging ants, as the spray will kill only those workers out foraging for food, it will not affect the larger colony. However, if an ant has simply flown indoor during the summer months, a spray labeled for the insect can provide kill of these occasional invaders.
When using any insecticide, it is important and required by law to read and follow all label directions. Be sure to the product is labeled for carpenter ants. - Insecticides. If the carpenter ants are nesting indoors, an insecticide can be the best option. Insecticidal dusts, labeled for carpenters ants and for indoor household use, can be injected into the area(s) in which the ants are nesting. Small holes may need to be drilled if the area can't be accessed another way.
- Q. What do I do to control termites?
A. Because of the skill, equipment, and pesticides needed to eliminate termites, Once termites invade your home, control almost always requires professional treatment. However, there are a number of things you can do for prevention. For more information, see Expert Recommendations for Termite Prevention.
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