Why are there flying ants in the first place?

Flying ants aren't some kind of genetic mutation. Ants that fly or have wings are called "alates" and are simply ants that are sexually mature. They are "reproductives" created by the queen and fed by the worker ants in a colony. The reproductives go through their immature stages while developing inside the colony. When the ant colony is naturally ready to expand,the winged ants are then ready to take the stage. Flying ants — like their wingless counterparts — have complex societies and ways of interacting with one another.

Why are flying ants necessary for ant colonies?

Mature male and female ants fly out of their colonies with one purpose in mind:to mate (and,thus,help expand the colonies). This flight is commonly referred to as a ‟nuptial flight" or ‟dispersal." You might know it by a different name based on the ants' tendency to gather in large clusters during this mass exodus:a swarm. It's why ants that fly are also commonly referred to as ‟swarmers." Winged ants from different colonies typically leave their nests at the same time and swarm together. This behavior helps protect them from predators and also allows them to maximize the opportunity to mate with different colonies,which helps to reduce inbreeding.

When do flying ants come out?

Most ant colonies swarm around the same time each year,like clockwork. This is because certain conditions must exist in order for the winged ants to get the message that it's time to leave home. These conditions include low winds,high humidity and warm temperatures,preferably after three to five days of rain. These conditions happen most often in the late spring and early summer,however,different species of ants swarm at different times of the year and many species swarm at night. That's when you'll see the most ants with wings.

Why do you see multiple swarms at the same time?

The males and females of all the colonies of the same species in your region simultaneously fly out to mate,or at least as close together as possible. This increases their chances of finding a mate and the successful fertilization of the queens-to-be. The winged ants create mating aggregations (called ‟hilltopping") around trees,bushes,chimneys,towers,trucks and other large or high structures. These landmarks are used every year and quite a few onlookers gather to watch these large swarms. ‟Flying Ant Day" is a popular social event for many enthusiasts,though over the past few years,these nuptial flights have taken place over the course of a week or month instead of one single day. During one of these seasons,flying ant swarms in the southern part of Britain were so large,they could be seen from space.

How long do flying ants stay around?

Swarming ants seek out mating partners,and swarms can last several weeks. Fertilized females become queens and can live for several years. Males die after mating.

Are ants with wings dangerous?

Huge swarms can be a bit intimidating,but the ants have only one thing on their minds:mating. Ants that fly don't present any greater danger to you than your typical ant that crawls,though. If a species of ant doesn't bite or sting,the alates of that species won't bite or sting either. If the ant species bites,like a carpenter ant,the winged carpenter ants can still bite if they feel threatened. If the ant species is known for stinging,like fire ants,the winged version can still do the same. You get the idea. It's highly unlikely ants will bite or sting you while they're flying,however,so don't run headlong into any mating swarms and you should be fine. Do be careful if they are crawling,just as you would with any other ant.

Where do all the flying ants go?

Shortly after mating in these aggregations,the males die — their life's purpose fulfilled. The fertilized females then fly around searching for nesting sites that meet their standards. Each species of ant has their own nesting preferences,with some choosing decaying wood and others colonizing in cracks in the sidewalk or a favorable spot such as soil,a tree hole,or even under shingles. Unfortunately,this also means they might invade your personal space during their search. If you see winged ants in your home,contacting a pest management professional is your safest course of action. When the female finds a suitable nesting site,she will break off her wings and never fly again. The new queen goes to work starting her colony. Fun fact:She uses her now useless flying muscles as a nutrition source. This comes in handy with all of the egg-laying she's about to do.

Does seeing a swarm mean you're going to have ants?

It's important to note that the presence of a swarm of flying ants doesn't necessarily mean that you'll get ants in your home,however,it does increase the chance. Remember,the swarms are leaving their colonies to mate and start new colonies. Roughly half of them (the males) will be dead right after mating. Further,not all flying queens will be able to successfully start a new colony. It's tough work and requires that everything fall into place for her:location,genetics,lack of predators,weather and even a little bit of luck. If you see a swarm of flying ants inside your home,it may mean you have a colony of ants living inside your wall voids or nearby on your property. In that case,call a pest management professional immediately.

How to Get Rid of Flying Ants: Identification & Removal Tips

Content updated: May 6th, 2026

Key takeaways

Flying ants, also known as alates, are mature winged ants that leave their colonies to start new ones.
To differentiate flying ants from termite swarmers, look for the ants' pinched waists and unequal wing sizes, while termites have a uniform body and equally sized wings.
The presence of flying ants in your home may indicate a nearby colony, so sealing entry points and maintaining a clean environment is essential to prevent infestations
While DIY methods like soap sprays and bait traps can provide temporary relief, seeking professional pest control is often necessary for effectively addressing a flying ant infestation.

Flying ants aren't some kind of genetic mutation. Ants with wings or that fly are called "alates" and are sexually mature ants. They are "alternate reproductives" created by the queen. When the ant colony is naturally ready to expand, the winged ants swarm and establish a colony of their own. These swarms can last for a few days and are an impressive sight, but flying ants in the house can be a problem. Learn how ant control can help protect your home.

Identifying flying ants vs. termite swarmers

Ants with wings typically have a pinched waist and long, slender wings that are unequal in size, while termite swarmers possess a more uniform body shape and wings that are equal in length. If you notice flying ants around your home, it does not necessarily mean you have termites, but both can indicate structural concerns. Common signs of flying ants include their presence near windows and lights, whereas termite swarmers often emerge in swarms during warm, humid conditions, particularly near wooden structures. To identify an infestation, look for discarded wings, damaged wood, or mud tubes associated with termites.

Are flying ants dangerous?

Huge swarms can be intimidating, but the ants have only one thing on their minds: mating. Flying ants in the house are no greater danger than your typical ant that crawls.

If a species of ant doesn't sting or bite, its alates won't either. If the ant species has the ability to pinch/bite with its mandibles, like a carpenter ant, it can still pinch if handled. If the ant species is known for stinging, like fire ants, the winged version can still do the same. It's highly unlikely that ants will bite or sting you while flying.

What causes flying ants in your house?

There are two reasons you have flying ants in your house. If you see a few ants, they probably flew in through a door or window, looking for a swarm. These ants will likely die before they can mate and set up a colony. Simply vacuum them up, dispose of the bag, and seal any gaps in screens or windows that might let other flying ants inside.

If you find a large swarm of flying ants in your home, you may already have a colony in your walls or under the foundation. Removing the ant swarm isn't enough. You must locate the colony and then use an appropriate treatment to destroy it.

What to do if you see flying ants

If you see flying ants in your house, it's important to act quickly to prevent an infestation. Begin by identifying where they are entering your space and seal off any entry points. Make sure to keep your environment clean by removing food sources and debris that may attract them. These pests often signal a nearby colony, so taking immediate steps can help contain the problem.

DIY ways to get rid of flying ants

If you're dealing with flying ants, there are several DIY methods you can try to get rid of them.

Soap and water: Simply combine dish soap and water in a spray bottle, then apply it directly to the ants when you see them.
Sugar and boric acid bait: The sugar attracts the ants, while the boric acid is toxic to them. However, be cautious if you have pets or small children around.
Vinegar: A 50-50 mix of vinegar and water can deter ants when sprayed around entry points, as they dislike the strong smell.

Unfortunately, DIY methods won't eliminate the entire colony. While these methods can provide temporary relief, professional pest control is often needed to address the infestation at the source.

Flying ant prevention

It’s important to keep your yard clean by regularly removing debris, such as fallen leaves and branches, which can serve as nesting sites. Sealing any cracks or gaps in windows, doors, and foundations can help prevent flying ants from entering the home. Additionally, maintaining proper landscaping by cutting back overgrown vegetation and ensuring plants do not touch the house can deter ants. Remember to avoid leaving food exposed and promptly clean up spills to limit attractants.

Professional flying ant control

When dealing with a flying ant infestation, taking immediate action with DIY methods can provide some relief, but it’s not a long-term solution. Professional flying ant control can be a crucial next step, especially if the problem persists after your initial efforts. Our experts have the training and tools to effectively locate and treat nests, which are often hidden in hard-to-reach areas. Enlist the help of your local Terminix technician to effectively remove these insects from your property.

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What you should know about flying ants and getting rid of them

Key takeaways

Identifying flying ants vs. termite swarmers

Are flying ants dangerous?

What causes flying ants in your house?

What to do if you see flying ants

DIY ways to get rid of flying ants

Flying ant prevention

Professional flying ant control

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What you should know about flying ants and getting rid of them

Key takeaways

Identifying flying ants vs. termite swarmers

Are flying ants dangerous?

What causes flying ants in your house?

What to do if you see flying ants

DIY ways to get rid of flying ants

Flying ant prevention

Professional flying ant control

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