How to Kill Flying Ants

Most ants crawl, but some species fly, and those might get into your hair, your food and your trash, but some are far more harmful than irritating. Getting rid of these pesky creatures is pretty easy if you know how and if you can determine what kind of flying ants you have

Types of flying ants

Before you bring the pesticide spray to get rid of those pesky flying ants, take a look to determine what kind of bugs you have. According to University of Florida entomologists, several characteristics make it easy to distinguish termites from flying ants. Because there are dozens of types of carpenter ants, some of those flying, gardeners and homeowners should look at the features that are easiest to identify. The differences between termites and ants include:

• Wings: Termite's wings are the same length are; flying ants wings are longer in the front and rear wings is half the size.
• Waist: ants have a narrowed waist and termites have a wide waist.
• Color: ants are dark; termites are a lighter color.

Ant Habitat

Ants nest in debris or foliage around the foundation of a building, but they can also build nests in small cracks or holes anywhere in a building. If you find them in your home, it's a good idea to determine if the flying creatures you see are indeed, flying ants or termites. Carpenter ants damage wooden structures almost as effectively as the termites, and the easiest way to see if your building is home to them is to examine the area around your siding and walls for small paths of sawdust. These paths indicate that there is a nest nearby. Whether it is a nest or carpenter ants and termites, you need to be proactive.

When you find them

If flying ants discover you during the summer, there's a good chance they happen to be crawling because your home/building is more open during that season. When it is winter, chances are they have nested in your building. Flying ants are not active in the winter. Termites tend to swarm around rotting or damp wood, and if you see them inside, you may have an infestation. If you determine you have termites, call a pest control company. If you have flying ants, you can take action to control the pest yourself.

Protect your garden and buildings

• Trim shrubs and low bushes that hug the foundation of your building.
• Keep mulch at least a foot from siding.
• If possible, create a cement barrier at the base of your building.
• When building fences or decks, choose a termite-resistant material.
• Keep structures, dry and well ventilated.
• Remove piles of wood or debris from the area.
• Repair any cracks or holes in your building.

Removing the ants/termites.

1. Contact a professional termite control company if you suspect you have an infestation of termites. They are licensed to use the proper pesticides to rid your building of harmful pests.
2. Use over-the-counter pesticide baits you have flying ants in your yard/building.
3. Make a natural pesticide bait with borax and sugar. Mix evenly and leave a small dish of the mixture near the nest. Clean regularly.

Be careful to follow instructions.

• Peppermint spray is a natural remedy for flying ants. Mix peppermint oil (purchase at your local natural food store) with dish detergent and water in a spray bottle. (One part soap, two parts water, a few drops peppermint oil). Shake well and spray.
• Spray detergent on the ants. The heaviness of the soap weights down their wings, bringing them to the ground where they will die.
• Pesticide sprays tend to scatter ants, so the bait traps are more effective.
• An Insect zapper works on most flying insects by luring the bugs into it and then electrocuting them.

Carpenter ants are stubborn and may not succumb to bait. Contact a professional if the bait traps do not seem to work.