Flying Ants: Why Do They Fly?

Ants with wings, also known as swarmers or reproductives,  emerge from established colonies to reproduce-mate and establish new colonies. Most ant species found in Canada form new colonies by producing winged ants and swarming during the warmer weather of spring and early summer.

Flying ants are swarmers of both genders. Males are produced solely to fulfill reproductive functions and die shortly after mating, while newly mated females search for suitable nesting sites to lay eggs and become queens of the new colonies. In an event known as a nuptial flight, ants with wings mate while swarming and flying in air. After mating, the newly minted queen finds a prime location to create a nest, detach her wings and lay her eggs. Winged males, on the other hand, typically die within two weeks of mating.

Upon establishing a nesting site and laying eggs, the formerly winged queen raises the first generation of offspring alone. Once the newly hatched offspring reach adulthood, they become worker ants and take charge of searching for food and expanding the nest while the queen retains sole responsibility for laying eggs. Depending on the species, ant colonies  take between  one to six years to mature and produce winged swarmers. The sight of ants with wings therefore likely indicates the nearby presence of a mature, and probably large, colony.

Additionally, since reproductive swarmers or flying ants typically emerge from the colony between April and June, finding flying ants in your house during winter months usually signals the existence of an indoor infestation.

How to Get Rid of Flying Ants in Your House

If you’re finding that flying ants are causing an issue inside or outside your house, contact Orkin Canada today for ant pest control treatments. We can help end the infestation and prevent them from coming back.