At some point in the late summer or early fall, you might notice what looks like small black ants parachuting through the air. These are actually flying ants, and while they might not be pleasant to look at, they shouldn’t pose any real threat to your home.
Still, if you’re wondering what these critters are and how to get rid of them, read on for more information.
What Are Flying Ants?
Flying ants are a common sight in the summer months. These winged insects are actually sexually mature male and female ants that leave their nest in search of mates. Once they find a mate, they will shed their wings and start a new colony.
They are attracted to light which is why you often see them flying around porch lights or streetlights and often bite humans. They are also attracted to sweet things, so if you have a picnic or barbecue, be sure to keep your food covered so the flying ants don’t make off with it!
Some people call them “flying fire ants” because they often enter homes through open doors or windows and can be a nuisance.
What causes flying ants in your house?
Flying ants are a common pest problem in many homes. There are several things that can cause flying ants in your house, including:
-Poorly sealed windows and doors: Flying ants can enter your home through small cracks and crevices around windows and doors. Make sure to seal any gaps or cracks around these areas to help prevent flying ants from getting inside.
-Outdoor food sources: If you have any outdoor food sources that flying ants are attracted to, such as pet food or birdseed, they may come inside your house in search of these food sources. Keep all food sources properly sealed and stored away to help deter flying ants.
-Indoor nests: If there are any indoor nests of pests, such as cockroaches or termites, flying ants may be attracted to these areas. Be sure to eliminate all indoor nests to help prevent flying ants from coming inside your house.
Signs of a Flying Ant Infestation
Flying ants are attracted to lights and feed on sugary substances. They are most active at night and can fly up to a hundred yards in one night.
If you want to know if you have a flying ant infestation, look for these signs:
– Flying ants swarm around light sources at night;
– Flying ants are attracted to sugary substances (e.g., fruit or sweets);
– You see dead or dying ants in the house, especially near windowsills;
– You see winged ant pupae near your home;
– The number of flying ants you see increases over time.
How To Eradicate Flying Ants from Your Home Naturally
Flying ants are a nuisance to many homeowners. They can quickly infest your home and cause a lot of problems.
However, there are many natural ways to get rid of flying ants in your home. You can try some of these methods to see which one works best for you.
1) Find the nest and remove it: The first step is to find the nest and remove it as soon as possible. This will help prevent more flying ants from coming into your house. You can also kill the queen ant with a chemical spray or insecticide if you’re not sure where the nest is located.
2) Use vinegar: Vinegar is an excellent natural defense against flying ants because it creates an acidic environment that they don’t like to live in, especially when mixed with water in a spray bottle. You can also use this mixture to clean the area around your home and kill any other ants in the process.
3) Use a sugar water mixture: Sugar is what ants are looking for during the night, so killing them with sugar is another option that doesn’t involve chemicals. The trick is to create a 4-1 ratio of sugar to water in a spray bottle. Place the mixture in a spray bottle and spray it on surfaces where ants are present or have been seen.
4) Use boric acid: Boric acid is known for being an effective ant killer as it’s toxic to them and can kill them instantly, but it’s also not safe to use around humans (only around pets). To make it safe for humans, mix it with a vinegar and water solution.
5) Use dish soap: Although this is not an effective method for killing ants, you can use dish soap to deter them from coming back for more. Apply the dish soap in a thin layer around your home and let it sit for an hour. Then, use a sponge or cloth to wipe it off.
6.) Use cornmeal: Cornmeal is another ant deterrent that can be sprinkled around the perimeter of the area where you want to keep ants out. Place a layer of cornmeal on top of gravel or concrete, and then place landscaping stones around it to create a barrier between your garden and the ants. .
7) Use citronella candles: If you can’t find natural ways to keep ants out of your garden, try using citronella candles. Place these around the perimeter of your garden and watch as they drive the pesky critters away.
8). Use Cinnamon. You can also use cinnamon to get rid of ants. It is a well-known fact that ants do not like cinnamon. If you mix cinnamon with sugar and water, it will make an effective ant bait.
If you have an indoor nest, you may need to call a pest control company to have it removed. They will be able to help identify the source of the problem and recommend the best course of treatment to get rid of the flying ants.
While they may look alarming, they pose no danger to humans or animals. Some people consider them to be a nuisance because they can be attracted to houses and buildings in search of a mate.
However, flying ants are interesting creatures that play an important role in the ecosystem. While they may be a nuisance to some, they are actually harmless and can be fun to watch as they go about their business in search of mates!