How High Can Flying Ants Fly?
WouterDuring the summer months, ants can be seen flying around in huge numbers. Some species have even landed on houses and chimneys in huge numbers.
They are also attracted to sweet treats, honey and light. Flying ants are not dangerous to humans, but can cause a bit of a nuisance. If they are flying around your house, you may need to consider sealing up some cracks or bins to prevent their spread.
These ants have four wings, with the front wings being larger than the back wings. They also have a defined waist and antennae. This makes them look very similar to termites.
They are mainly males, but some females can also be found in colonies. When a female flying ant mates, she releases pheromones to attract drones. These drones wait in the parent colony until the weather clears up, at which point they will develop sexually.
Another thing to know about flying ants is that they produce formic acid, which is a compound that is toxic to birds. This is what caused some seagulls to not fly away quickly from cars.
Flying ants are actually quite fascinating. While the ant swarms may be the smallest insects in the world, they are also responsible for cycling nutrients in the soil and keeping other pests at bay. They can also aerate soil, making it healthier for plants.
They can also create mating aggregations around buildings, chimneys and other structures. The largest type of flying ant is the black garden variety, which has about 5,000-15,000 workers.
