{"id":25095447,"date":"2026-05-20T20:44:06","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T18:44:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pestpatrol.be\/2026\/05\/20\/fourmis-ailees-pourquoi-volent-elles-et-comment-sen-debarrasser\/"},"modified":"2026-05-20T20:44:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T18:44:06","slug":"winged-ants-why-they-fly-and-how-to-get-rid-of-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pestpatrol.be\/en\/2026\/05\/20\/fourmis-ailees-pourquoi-volent-elles-et-comment-sen-debarrasser\/","title":{"rendered":"Winged ants: why do they fly and how to get rid of them?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>Winged ants: understanding their role and how to get rid of them<\/h1>\n<h3 id=\"sommaire\">Contents<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"text-primary underline toc-link\" href=\"#le-mystere-du-vol-nuptial-pourquoi-certaines-fourmis-ont-elles-des-ailes\">The mystery of mating flight: why do some ants have wings?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"text-primary underline toc-link\" href=\"#identification-et-diagnostic-comment-differencier-fourmis-ailees-et-termites\">Identification and diagnosis: how to tell the difference between termites and winged ants?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"text-primary underline toc-link\" href=\"#strategies-d-eradication-et-de-prevention-comment-agir-efficacement-chez-soi\">Eradication and prevention strategies: how to take effective action at home?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" class=\"text-primary underline toc-link\" href=\"#conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>One summer evening, you open the window and it's an invasion. Dozens, sometimes hundreds of ants with wings circling around your lamps, landing on the walls, clumping together on the windowsill. First instinct: panic. Second instinct: Google. That's probably why you're here.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"ce-qu-il-faut-retenir\">Things to remember<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>An approach combining entomological expertise and practical advice Pest Patrol<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>We decipher the biological phenomenon of nuptial flight, citing research on climatic triggers, while offering a strict distinction protocol with termites to reassure the inhabitant.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>why do some ants have wings?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>how to tell the difference between winged ants and termites?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The good news is that these flying ants are not a sign that your house is falling apart. They don't eat wood or sting, and their presence is explained by a fascinating biological phenomenon known as mating flight. The bad news is that if they're coming back every year in large numbers, a colony has probably set up somewhere in or very close to your home.<\/p>\n<p>At Pest Patrol, we receive hundreds of inquiries every summer about winged ants in the home. The aim of this article is simple: to explain what's really going on, to teach you how to tell the difference between a winged ant and a termite (because the stakes here are quite different), and to give you a concrete protocol for regaining control.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"le-mystere-du-vol-nuptial-pourquoi-certaines-fourmis-ont-elles-des-ailes\">The mystery of mating flight: why do some ants have wings?<\/h2>\n<p>Not all ants fly. Far from it. In a typical colony, 95 % of the individuals are workers, apterous (wingless), sterile, and dedicated to foraging, nest maintenance and defense. Winged ants, on the other hand, represent a very special caste: they are the reproductives, males and future queens, produced by the colony for a single purpose. Reproduction.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"max-w-full h-auto rounded-md\" src=\"https:\/\/nghaeknymynesecnqcmd.supabase.co\/storage\/v1\/object\/public\/article-images\/article-1779301805404-fourmis-ailees-pourquoi-volent-elles-et-comment-s-en-debarrasser.png\" alt=\"Winged ants: why do they fly and how to get rid of them?\"><\/p>\n<p>The life cycle of an ant colony follows a fairly predictable pattern. Once the colony reaches a critical size, usually after two or three years of development, it begins to produce sexual individuals. These winged ants are reared in the nest for weeks, sometimes months, waiting for the perfect moment to fly away.<\/p>\n<p>This moment is called swarming. And it doesn't happen by chance.<\/p>\n<p>Entomological research, in particular the work of Boomsma and Ratnieks published in <em>Annual Review of Entomology<\/em>, show that nuptial flight is triggered by a very precise combination of climatic factors: a ground temperature above 20\u00b0C, high relative humidity (often after a summer thunderstorm or rain), low wind, and particular luminosity. When all these conditions are met, several colonies of the same species release their reproducers simultaneously. It's synchronized. It's massive. And that's exactly why you suddenly see swarms of flying ants appear, as if out of nowhere.<\/p>\n<p>Why this synchronization? Because genetic mixing requires it. If each colony sent out its reproducers at different times, the chances of interbreeding between individuals from different colonies would be virtually nil. Simultaneous swarming maximizes the species' genetic diversity. It's evolutionary strategy, nothing more, nothing less.<\/p>\n<p>During mating flight, males and females mate in mid-air or on high surfaces. A queen ant can mate with several males in a matter of minutes, storing sperm in a spermatheca that will serve her for the rest of her life, sometimes for 15 to 20 years. The males, on the other hand, die within hours of mating. Their role is over.<\/p>\n<p>The future queen lands, tears off her own wings (they're no longer of any use to her), and looks for a place to found a new colony. A gap in a wall, a crack in a slab, the underside of a flowerpot. If she survives the predators and the site conditions, she'll lay her first eggs within a few days.<\/p>\n<p>So when you see winged ants in the house, what does it mean? Two scenarios. Either they come from outside, attracted by light, and it's a temporary phenomenon. Or they emerge from inside, which means that a nest has been set up in your home. Distinguishing between the two is crucial to deciding what to do next.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"identification-et-diagnostic-comment-differencier-fourmis-ailees-et-termites\">Identification and diagnosis: how to tell the difference between termites and winged ants?<\/h2>\n<p>That's the question that really takes the stress up a notch. Because a flying ant in your living room is unpleasant, but benign on the whole. A winged termite in your living room is a serious red flag. Termites are wood-eating insects, eating the structural wood of your home. Ants don't (with the exception of carpenter ants, but even these don't eat the wood, they burrow into it to nest).<\/p>\n<p>Confusion between winged ants and winged termites is extremely common. A study by the University of Florida (Department of Entomology, UF\/IFAS) estimates that nearly 50 % of calls to pest control professionals for \u00abtermites\u00bb actually concern winged ants. In other words, knowing the difference can save you from an unnecessary diagnosis, or even a hefty bill.<\/p>\n<p>Three morphological criteria can be used to decide, even without a magnifying glass:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Antennas.<\/strong> This is the most reliable criterion. Winged ants have elbow-shaped antennae. Termites have straight, string-like antennae, like a string of small pearls. If you can observe the insect up close (or capture it), look at the antennae first.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Wing size.<\/strong> In ants, the wings are unequal: the front pair is clearly larger than the rear pair. In the termite, all four wings are identical in length and extend well beyond the abdomen. Another clue: termites shed their wings very easily. If you find small piles of translucent wings on a windowsill, it's suspect.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>The silhouette.<\/strong> Ants are wasp-like in size, with a distinct constriction between thorax and abdomen (called a petiole). The termite has a cylindrical body, with no visible narrowing. Visually, the termite looks like a pale tube with wings.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A quick summary:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Bent antennae = ant. Straight antennae = termite.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Unequal wings = ant. Equal wings = termite.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Marked size = ant. Uniform body = termite.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>And the question of the injection? We're often asked. Flying ants that sting do exist, but they're rare in Belgium. Some species, such as <em>Myrmica rubra<\/em> (the red ant) produce winged individuals capable of stinging, but the pain remains moderate, comparable to a nettle sting. The species most commonly found in our homes, such as <em>Lasius niger<\/em> (the black garden ant), don't sting at all.<\/p>\n<p>If after observation you identify ants with wings and not termites, you can blow. That doesn't mean you should ignore the problem, especially if they're emerging from your walls or floor. An indoor nest can be home to thousands of individuals and cause recurring nuisance. But at least your frame is not in immediate danger.<\/p>\n<p>When in doubt, capture a few specimens in a jar and take a clear photo. Any pest control professional will be able to give you a diagnosis in seconds. At Pest Patrol, we offer this remote identification service free of charge.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"strategies-d-eradication-et-de-prevention-comment-agir-efficacement-chez-soi\">Eradication and prevention strategies: how to take effective action at home?<\/h2>\n<p>First thing to understand: killing the winged ants you see flying around doesn't solve anything. These individuals are transit breeders. They leave the nest and never return. Crushing or vacuuming them up gets rid of the visible symptom, not the problem. To get rid of winged ants permanently, you need to target the source colony.<\/p>\n<p>Let's start with natural solutions, because in 80 % of domestic cases, they're more than enough.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Diatomaceous earth.<\/strong> It's my first choice for a non-toxic treatment. It's a powder made from fossilized micro-algae, whose microscopically sharp particles perforate the insects' waxy cuticle and dehydrate them in 24 to 48 hours. Sprinkle along baseboards, in cracks and around identified entry points. It's safe for humans and pets (use food grade, not pool grade). A study published in the <em>Journal of Economic Entomology<\/em> confirms the efficacy of 90 % on house ants after 72 hours of exposure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>White vinegar.<\/strong> Not as an insecticide, mind you. White vinegar acts as a chemical track disrupter. Ants communicate by pheromones: they leave chemical trails which their fellow ants follow to find food. A 50\/50 mixture of water and white vinegar sprayed on the usual routes erases these tracks and disorganizes the colony. It's an effective natural repellent, not a stand-alone solution.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Boric acid baits.<\/strong> Mix one teaspoon of boric acid with two tablespoons of sugar and a little water to form a paste. Place small quantities in the path of the workers. They take the mixture back to the nest, share it with the colony by trophallaxis (mouth-to-mouth food exchange), and the boric acid does its work from the inside. Allow one to two weeks for significant results. This is the most effective method of reaching the queen ant, the one who must be eliminated if the colony is to collapse.<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to preventing infestation, a few simple steps can make a real difference:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Seal cracks and damaged joints around windows, doors and pipes. Flying ants often enter the house through openings of less than 2 mm.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Store sweet foods in airtight containers. Sugar is the main fuel for ant colonies.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Empty garbage cans regularly and clean kitchen surfaces every evening. A drop of forgotten fruit juice is enough to attract Girl Scouts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Prune any vegetation that touches your exterior walls. Branches and climbing plants act as access bridges.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Reduce outdoor lighting during swarming periods (June to September). Winged ants, like many flying insects, are attracted by artificial light.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A word about chemical insecticides. They work, of course. But for flying ants in the house, it's often disproportionate. Aerosol cans kill on contact, with no residual effect on the nest. Professional perimeter treatments (spraying pyrethroids around the foundations) are only relevant if the infestation is massive and recurrent year after year.<\/p>\n<p>When should you call a professional? If winged ants have been emerging from inside your walls or floor for several days, if you're seeing constant numbers of workers despite your treatments, or if you have the slightest doubt about the nature of the insect (ant or termite). In such cases, an on-site diagnosis is essential.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>Winged ants are not a catastrophe. They're a natural, seasonal phenomenon that affects millions of households in Belgium every summer. Understanding mating flight, knowing how to distinguish a winged ant from a termite, and applying the right preventive measures: that's all it takes to manage the situation calmly in the vast majority of cases.<\/p>\n<p>If, despite everything, the problem persists or you're not sure of your diagnosis, don't wait. Contact the Pest Patrol team for rapid identification and an action plan tailored to your situation. Better one phone call too many than a termite colony ignored for months.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"questions-frequentes\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<details class=\"faq-item\">\n<summary>PPhy do some ants have wings?<\/summary>\n<p>Winged ants are the colony's reproductive individuals (males and future queens). They develop wings to take part in mating flight, a seasonal biological phenomenon whose sole purpose is to mate and found new colonies.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"faq-item\">\n<summary>How can you tell a winged ant from a termite?<\/summary>\n<p>To make the distinction, look at three criteria: the ant has angled antennae, a pronounced wasp waist and wings of unequal length. The termite, on the other hand, has a uniform cylindrical body, straight antennae and four identical wings that extend well beyond its body.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"faq-item\">\n<summary>Is it dangerous to have flying ants in the house?<\/summary>\n<p>No, winged ants aren't dangerous because they don't usually sting or attack the wooden structure of your home. However, their repeated, massive presence indoors may indicate that a colony has settled in your walls or under your floor.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"faq-item\">\n<summary>How to get rid of winged ants naturally?<\/summary>\n<p>To eliminate a colony in an environmentally-friendly way, apply diatomaceous earth in cracks and along baseboards to dehydrate the insects. You can also make a homemade bait by mixing sugar and boric acid, which the workers will take back to the nest to kill the queen.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details class=\"faq-item\">\n<summary>When should you call in a professional like Pest Patrol?<\/summary>\n<p>It's advisable to contact a professional if flying ants emerge directly from inside your walls, or if natural treatments aren't enough to stop the infestation. Intervention is also essential if there is any doubt between an ant infestation and the presence of termites.<\/p>\n<\/details>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Winged ants: understanding their role and how to get rid of themSummaryThe mystery of mating flight: why do some ants have wingsIdentification and diagnosis: how to tell the difference between...<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":25095446,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"dipi_cpt_category":[],"class_list":["post-25095447","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-non-classe"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pestpatrol.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25095447","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pestpatrol.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pestpatrol.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pestpatrol.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pestpatrol.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25095447"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pestpatrol.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25095447\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pestpatrol.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25095446"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pestpatrol.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25095447"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pestpatrol.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25095447"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pestpatrol.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25095447"},{"taxonomy":"dipi_cpt_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pestpatrol.be\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/dipi_cpt_category?post=25095447"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}