The fertilised female flies around looking for a suitable site to build a new colony. Shortly after mating, the males die after fulfilling their function. A huge number of ants in a swarm will die within a day because of birds that prey on them for food. However, take care when they are crawling, just as you would an ordinary ant.Ī swarm is massive to ensure breeding between male and female flying ants is successful, and accordingly the establishment of a new colony. Just don’t run straight into a mating swarm and you should be fine. It’s not likely for flying ants to bite or sting you while they in the air. Flying ants don’t pose any greater danger than the average crawling ants. Though seeing a swarm of flying pests can be intimidating, remember that they only have one thing in mind – mating. This is the period when ants with wings are seen. These conditions usually exist in late spring or early summer. These conditions include bright sunlight, weak winds, high humidity and warm temperatures, after three to five days of rain, if possible. We see multiple swarms at the same time each year because specific conditions must be present for the winged ants to know that it is time to fly out of their home. Swarming can be triggered by temperature and usually happens following a summer rain. This had already occurred in 2016, with several synchronised events in early August. Winged ants emerge over several weeks, though there are typically several large peaks. However, recent study shows that the swarm of flying ants doesn’t happen in one day. It is common to mistake one for the other, especially from afar.įlying ant day occurs when there is a period of warm weather, a summer downpour, and when it stops, winged creatures suddenly emerge from the ground. However, you need to take a closer look since those winged insects that look like flying ants could be flying termites, and vice versa. This flight is referred to as “nuptial flight” or “dispersal.” They assemble together in a swarm in order to keep predators away, which is why flying ants are also commonly referred to as “swarmers.” “Mating” is the one role that mature male and female flying ants have to perform when they fly out of their colonies. They are the “reproductives” of the colony, birthed by the “Queen” and nourished by the “Workers.” They stay inside the colony while still in their immature stage and leave it when they sexually mature. Flying ants, or alates, are basically ants that are ready to reproduce. There is a scientific explanation for their existence. What Are Flying Ants?įlying ants are not some mutated version of normal ants. Here are the important things you need to know about flying ants to help you deal with them when summer comes around. These insects can even be more intimidating when they swarm during their mating period, assembling at particular areas in a behaviour called “hilltopping.” But for those who only see ants crawling on the ground, it might be a little shocking to see ants with wings flying around. To Australians, flying ants are an annual occurrence. But rest your fears as some of these insects may be flying ants, especially if you see them during the summer months. Seeing a swarm of flying ants outside – hundreds of thousands of them – is the stuff of nightmares.
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