Ants With Wings
WouterDuring certain times of the year, you may notice ants with wings. These ants are called winged ants and are a part of the ant life cycle. They reproduce by mating and building a colony.
Several species of ants can be seen with wings. These ants can be called swarmers, alates, or reproductive ants. The female ants fly in search of a mate. After mating, they drop their wings and start searching for a nest. The newly mated females become queens and begin searching for a place to build a nest.
Ants with wings are most common in warmer climates. They can be found in homes as well as the outdoors. They usually swarm during the spring and fall. In order to fly, they need a warm climate and low winds. They also need three to five days of rain. If you see winged ants in your home, you may want to contact an exterminator.
The queen ants search for a nest to build their colony. Once they find a place, the queen ants begin to mate and begin laying eggs. They then use the unused wings as a nutrition source. Then they will begin to raise the first generation of ants.
These ants can also swarm on interior lights and chimneys. They are very attracted to lights. If you notice a large swarm of ants, you may want to consider sealing a crack in your walls or putting a deterrent around your entry points.
