Insect Identification Needed

10 years ago

Hello all, I have an insect I need help identifying. It looks like an ant but with wings. Every morning for the last week, when I come downstairs there is a dozen or so of these guys flying around the table where I drink my coffee. This is the first time we have had a problem with them.

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nighthawk0911

10 years ago

It's a swarming flying ant. They are hatching out right now this time of year. I have them too. Main nest usually outside, but they set up satellite nests in walls, etc. They are attracted to lights and will often swarm around windows and lamps. They can scare you at first thinking they are termites. Termites don't have waists.

Rake back leaves and other debris from around house, Seal all holes on the outside of house and put down bug granules and borax around the perimeter your house especially where you find any trails.

Mulching around the foundation of your home, tho while commonly done can make pest problems worse.

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Comments (6)

User
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
It's probably a winged ant. Here's more info

Winged Ants
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
10 years ago
Ants - or termites? A.K.A. alates. Photo is too small to tell. Try Google Image search for both...
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sousd24
10 years ago
The picture is hard to tell but it doesn't look like a dry wood termite. It is the time of year when dry-wood termites swarm. If you look around a light and see shed wings then its dry wood termites
writersblock (9b/10a)
10 years ago
It is the time of year when dry-wood termites swarm.

Where I live, I'm also seeing the first winged ants, so a definite ID is important.

If it's not termites, check carefully to see where they are getting in. I have an awful problem with them getting in through the weep holes in my sliding glass doors, even when I tape over them. They're attracted by any light at night.
User
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Just from the picture, I think the waist is to small for a termite, but here is some more info anyway. It has pictures for comparison. Doesn't have to be a dry-wood termite. Could be subterranean. We do have both.
http://www.duratechpestcontrol.com/termites/termites_about.htm