How Do Flying Ants Come About?
WouterDuring the summer months, you may see swarms of flying ants scurrying about. These insects are part of the reproductive cycle of an ant colony. They are a bit larger than regular ants, and have two wings on each side of their bodies.
The female flying ants start laying eggs when they find a suitable nesting location. The female flying ants then break off their wings, and spend the next stage of their lives underground. After about ten to thirty years, these ants will become the queens of their own colonies.
The queens of an ant colony will leave the nest to mate. The process is called “nuptial flight”. Some people who study bugs refer to this voyage as “dispersal”. It is a way for the ants to find a mate and start a new colony.
Flying ants usually swarm at dusk, after a warm night. They are most likely to be found around lights, trash cans, wood and pools. They are also attracted to moisture. They are not known to bite or sting humans.
When ants swarm, they are usually looking for a new home. The female flying ants are searching for a nesting location, which may be on your property. They are also looking for food. They feed on seeds, wood, and insects. They may also eat food scraps.
If you want to prevent flying ants, try placing a sticky fly trap on your property. Commercial glue traps are available, but you can also make your own. Just make sure you have boric acid powder on hand.
