Winged ant or termite in your home or yard?

 MORSE CODE PEST CONTROL

 352-683-2336

Flying ants (or ‟alates”) are fairly common but can be the first indication of a pest control problem. The following are questions and answers about winged, flying ants and termites:

 

1. Why do some ants have wings and other don't?

Carpenter ants and termites (which aren't really ants) that have wings and fly are either reproductive males or queens.  Ants and termites swarm to mate, then the males die, having fulfilled their life's purpose. If you see something that looks like an ant with wings, it's possible that it is getting ready to add to its population!  Protect your home and property against unwanted pests, For a friendly inspection and pest control estimate in the Hernando County Florida area, call or message Morse Code Pest Control.

 

2. How do I tell the difference between a flying ant and a termite?

Flying ants and flying termites often get mistaken for one another.  You can easily identify a termite swarm or a flying ant swarm by closely inspecting the insect.  Flying ants have a very distinct thin waist compared to their thorax and abdomen, whereas termites have a much thicker body shape.  Contact Morse Code Pest Control for assistance in identifying problem insects in the Hernando County Florida area.

 

2. Where do flying ants and termites live?

Ants and termites live in large colonies with designated caste systems.

     Drywood or Dampwood Termites can be found in decaying trees, stumps, wood debris, lumber, and the wood of a structure such as your home. There are also subterranean termites that build colonies underground.  Termites can cause serious structural damage since they eat mainly wood, paper, and other cellulose-based products.

     Some ants, like carpenter ants, also inhabit wood and the wooden parts of structures.  Carpenter ants do not eat wood and thus generally do not cause structural damage. 

**For a friendly inspection and estimate in the Hernando County Florida area, contact Morse Code Pest Control.

 

3. I am seeing ants with wings in my home. Is this a problem?

The appearance of swarming ants or termites in flight is not a good sign – it can be one of the first signs of indoor infestation. This is especially true if it is winter and you have seen more than one—this means that there is a strong likelihood that there is a carpenter ant nest within the structure.

 

4. Is it a problem if I see flying ants in my home in the summer?

If you see a winged ant or two indoors during the summer, it does not necessarily mean there is a problem.  An ant can fly in through an open door or window, but it is likely to die without finding a place to nest.  Contact Morse Code Pest control to schedule a professional inspection and free estimate.

 

5. Do Flying Ants Bite?

Flying ants are typically carpenter ants, which can bite. Their jaws are strong, and they inject formic acid into the puncture, which causes a burning feeling around the wound area. A carpenter ant bite causes a pea-sized red mark that can take up to eight days to go away.