How to Get Rid of Flying Carpenter Ants

Flying carpenter ants are nuisances especially during the season when they mate. These ants belong to the colony always looking for their next area where they can build their nest, which can be your home.

This guide will explain how to identify them, techniques to handle them, and many more most asked queries regarding these pests.

How to Identify Carpenter Ants with Wings

Flying carpenter ants could easily get mistaken for termites or other insects. However, there are some differences that can help you identify such ants. Take a look at the significant identifying features below.

Body Shape

The body shape of carpenter ants is what makes them unique. They have a narrow waist, which gives them a segmented look. When it comes to the length of termites, their body is more uniform without a defined waist. This difference is one of the easiest ways to spot a carpenter ant infestation.

Wing Structure

The carpenter ant has usually two pairs of wings, with the front pair much larger than the pair of back wings. The wings are translucent and have visible veins. On the other hand, termites also have two pairs of wings, but both are equal in size. This difference makes them a very important identifying feature.

Antennae Shape

The other distinguishing features of carpenter ants are the elbowed or bent antennas. These antennas are almost bent at the right angle. On the other hand, termites have straight, beadlike antennae. With this detail in mind, you can easily figure out if you are facing carpenter ants or termites.

Color and Size

Most flying carpenter ants are either black or reddish-brown. Most of these ants are larger than other species, measuring anywhere from 0.3 to 1 inch long. Contrary to termites, which are usually pale or light brown, their size ranges from about 0.08 to 0.39 inches.

By paying attention to these physical characteristics, you can easily find carpenter ants apart from all the other winged insects. Moreover, this can also help you in productive control measures for ants.

7 Best Ways to Get Rid of Flying Carpenter Ants

Here are some tested techniques on how to eliminate these pests in your home.

1.   Set Ant Baits

Ant bait is one of the most effective ways of dealing with an ant infestation. Boric acid and sugar water are a good combination since sugar attracts ants while poisonous borax powder kills them. You can place these bait near places where ants do most of their activity for greater efficiency.

2.   Diatomaceous Earth

Sprinkling diatomaceous earth powder around entry points and suspected nests is a very good natural and effective solution. This most effective dehydrating agent damages the ants’ outer shell and ultimately kills them. It is a non-toxic method and is safe for indoor and outdoor use.

3.   Peppermint Oil Spray

Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water to create a spray which provides a strong scent to repel carpenter ants. Spray it on windowsills, cracks, and other areas where these insects exist. Moreover, the strong scent will prevent them from returning as well.

4.   Sticky Traps

Sticky traps are another method of capturing winged ants. Place them near a light source, a window, or a spot; these ants usually infest. Once the ants get into the trap, they cannot escape, which helps reduce the population.

5.   Vacuum and Clean

Vacuuming is a quick and easy remedy for flying ants and any possible nests. It should be performed in all sites where ants may invade, including cracks and corners. After you vacuum, promptly dispose of the bag to keep the ants from stop coming back into your house.

6.   Vinegar Solution

Vinegar solution mixed with water is also an excellent spraying remedy for ant infestations. Spray this solution on ants, their trails, and any suspected entry holes. Vinegar have acidic properties that help in damaging ant trails, making it quite hard for the ants to regroup.

7.   Electric Zapper Racket

It is an electric zapper that provides an instant shock to a flying carpenter ant on contact with it. These tools become most useful during a swarm, which is the most active time of a flying ant. Moreover, these gadgets are cost-saving since they can be reused.

By trying this natural method and practical tips, you can minimize and prevent effective carpenter ant infestation.

Do All Carpenter Ants Fly?

No, not all carpenter ants fly. Only a certain group called alates develops wings during their mating period. These reproductive ants are responsible for swarming, finding mates, and starting a new ant colony.

On the other hand, worker ants and soldier ants remain completely wingless throughout their lives and concentrate on maintenance inside the nest and arranging food for their colony.

Do Carpenter Ants Have Wings?

Yes, carpenter ants grow wings during the reproductive stage. These winged ants, also known as alates, are larger than worker ants. Mostly, people get confused between termites and carpenter ants due to their similar appearance. Mostly, these ants are transparent with visible veins, which distinguishes this kind of ant from others.

Do Carpenter Ants Bite?

Yes. When provoked or disturbed from their nest, carpenter ants bite. Their strong jaws can make a painful pinch but they are not venomous+. In rare cases, they may also squirt formic acid into the wound, which can cause slight irritation or a burning-like sensation. So, their bite is not dangerous but can be quite uncomfortable.

Are Carpenter Ants Dangerous?

While carpenter ants do not affect humans directly, they can destroy wooden structures. They make vast nests inside the wood, which may weaken support beams, walls, and floors over time. Many homeowners wouldn’t know about this destruction until it becomes an expensive problem to repair.

Conclusion

You should consider effective methods if you want to get rid of flying carpenter ants. Some of the most effective natural methods include homemade baits and even professional controls. Moreover, regular maintenance and monitoring can help you prevent any future ant infestation.

FAQs

1. How can I prevent flying carpenter ants from entering my home?

Seal cracks and crevices, reduce moisture, and keep food sources low by cleaning your home on a regular basis.

2. What is the best bait for carpenter ants?

This sugar and toxic borax powder mix is the best bait for attracting and eliminating ant colonies.

3. Can flying carpenter ants damage my home?

Yes, they make burrows in the wood to build nests that can damage the structure continuously.

Make Your Space 100% Protected From Carpenter Bees!

Dealing with carpenter bees is not an easy job at all, especially if they have wings. But here is a good news! Safe Pest Sol is one of the finest pest control agencies out there, with the right expertise to eliminate all types of pest infestation.