How High Do Flying Ants Fly?
WouterDuring flying ant season, you may see a large number of flying ants in your neighborhood. They are attracted to things like sweet treats, honey and sugar. Some species are known to land on chimneys or roofs of houses. They are also very easy prey for ring-billed gulls.
Flying ants are part of a group of insects called Hymenoptera. These insects are related to wasps. They have four wings, which are similar to the wings of wasps. The front wings of flying ants are usually larger than the back wings.
Flying ants usually fly during the summer, and they can be seen in huge numbers. They are often mistaken for termites. They are mostly harmless to humans, though they may cause nuisances. Using peppermint oil and mopping the floors can help reduce their presence.
Female ants mate while flying. This is called nuptial flight. After mating, they lose their wings. Their body size is much larger than other ants. They can live for up to 15 years.
When they are mated, they form a new nest. Some ants will burrow in the ground to form a new colony. Then, some males will mate with the females. The males will die after mating. The females will then reabsorb the muscles that powered their wings and raise their first brood.
In some cases, the winged ants from different colonies swarm together, increasing the chances of mating with different colonies. This reduces inbreeding.
