Flying Ants & Everything You Need to Know
Flying ants are a common sight during warm seasons across the Metro Vancouver area. These winged insects may seem alarming when they appear in swarms, but they are not dangerous on their own. However, their presence often signals a larger problem, an established ant colony nearby. While flying ants themselves won’t harm your home, their worker ant relatives, especially carpenter ants and pavement ants, can cause real trouble.
If you’re wondering why flying ants suddenly appear and how to deal with them, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know about them.
What Are Flying Ants?
Flying ants are simply reproductive ants, also known as “alates.” These ants have wings and are part of the mating process in ant colonies. When conditions are right, usually on warm, humid days, large numbers of these ants take flight in what is known as a “nuptial flight.” After mating, the males die off, and the fertilized females land to start new colonies.
Are Flying Ants Dangerous?
On their own, flying ants are harmless. They don’t bite or sting, and they won’t cause damage to your property. However, their appearance often means a well-established ant colony is nearby, and that’s where the trouble begins. If the flying ants are from a carpenter ant colony, for example, their worker ants can cause significant damage to your home by burrowing into wooden structures. Pavement ants, on the other hand, can invade your kitchen and contaminate food sources.
Types of Flying Ants in Vancouver
In Metro Vancouver, two main types of ants are responsible for most flying ant sightings:
1. Carpenter Ants
Carpenter ants are among the largest ants found in Vancouver, growing up to 1.5 cm long. They don’t eat wood like termites, but they do burrow into it to create nests. If left untreated, carpenter ants can weaken wooden structures over time, leading to costly repairs.
What are the Signs of a Carpenter Ant Infestation?
- Sawdust-like material (frass) near wooden structures
- Faint rustling noises inside walls
- Large, winged ants appearing indoors
- Soft or hollow-sounding wood
2. Pavement Ants
Pavement ants are much smaller, typically around 3 mm in size, and are commonly found nesting in cracks in sidewalks, driveways, and foundations. While they don’t cause structural damage, they can invade homes in search of food, especially sweets and proteins.
What are the Signs of a Pavement Ant Infestation?
- Small dirt mounds near sidewalks or foundations
- Trails of tiny ants inside your home
- Sightings of flying pavement ants during mating season
How to Get Rid of Flying Ants
If you see flying ants near your property, it’s important to act quickly before they establish a new colony near your home. Here are some steps you can use:
1. Identify the Source
If you notice flying ants inside your home, they may be coming from an existing colony within your walls, floors, or wooden structures. If they are outside, look for signs of ant activity around tree stumps, decks, and cracks in the pavement.
2. Seal Entry Points
Prevent ants from getting inside by sealing cracks around doors, windows, and foundations. Fix any moisture issues, as damp environments attract ants, especially carpenter ants.
3. Use Ant Baits
Ant baits are an effective way to eliminate entire colonies. Worker ants carry the bait back to the nest, spreading the poison and wiping out the colony over time.
4. Vacuum Up Flying Ants
If you suddenly notice a swarm of flying ants indoors, using a vacuum is a quick way to remove them. Be sure to dispose of the vacuum bag immediately to prevent ants from escaping.
5. Ask for Help
If you suspect a large colony nearby or have repeated sightings of flying ants, calling your local pest control specialist is the best solution. Pest exterminators can locate and eliminate the nest, preventing further infestations.
How to Prevent Flying Ants
The best way to avoid flying ants is by preventing ant infestations in the first place. Here are some helpful tips:
- Keep your home clean: Store food in sealed containers and clean up spills right away.
- Remove wood debris: Keep firewood, logs, and tree stumps away from your home to discourage carpenter ants.
- Fix leaks: Repair any leaks in your plumbing or roof to reduce moisture that attracts ants.
- Trim vegetation: Keep trees and bushes trimmed so they don’t touch your house, as ants can use them as bridges to enter your home.
- Schedule regular inspections: A pest control can check for early signs of ant activity and take preventive measures.
Call Phantom for Ant Control in Vancouver
Flying ants may seem harmless, but they can signal a bigger problem. If you’re dealing with flying ants or suspect an ant infestation, Phantom Pest Control is here to help! We offer expert pest control in Vancouver and throughout the Metro Vancouver area to keep your home safe and pest-free.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us take care of your ant problem before it gets worse.
