Key Points
Flying ants are reproductive ants participating in a seasonal mating event known as a nuptial flight.
Indoor swarms usually mean outdoor ants entering through gaps, or a mature colony inside your walls.
Flying ants are often confused with termite swarmers.
Short-term relief includes vacuuming and sealing entry points; long-term control requires treating the underlying species.
Repeated swarms or visible damage may require professional treatment.
What Are Flying Ants?
Flying ants are simply the reproductive, winged members of an ant colony, commonly called alates. These ants appear when a colony matures enough to produce males and queens for a nuptial flight.
During this event, males and queens leave the nest, mate, and newly fertilized queens shed their wings to start new colonies.
If you want to understand how ant colonies function, see our Structure of an Ant Colony guide. Readers who are curious about reproduction behaviors may also find value in our Queen Ant Roles article.
Why Are There Flying Ants in My House?
Flying ants indoors typically occur for one of two reasons.
1. Outdoor swarms entering your home
Flying ants often enter through:
Damaged window screens
Gaps around sliding doors
Unsealed exterior vents
Cracks around window frames
Outdoor ant pressure increases when food, crumbs, moisture, or clutter attract them. For prevention tips, see Things You’re Doing to Attract Ants.
2. A mature colony inside your structure
If you notice flying ants emerging from:
Baseboards
Electrical outlets
Bathroom vents
Window frames
Soft or rotting wood
You may be dealing with an interior colony — especially carpenter ants.
If these sightings happen around bathrooms or moisture-prone areas, also review Carpenter Ants in Your Bathroom.
Flying Ants vs Termites
Flying ants and termite swarmers appear similar, but their physical differences are clear.
Antennae
Flying ants: bent / elbowed
Termites: straight
Waist Shape
Flying ants: narrow waist
Termites: thick waist
Wings
Flying ants: front wings larger than back wings
Termites: all four wings same size and shed easily
If you’re unsure which insect you’re seeing, compare them using our Are White Ants and Termites the Same Thing? guide.
Common Ant Species That Produce Flying Ants
Flying ants are not one species; many types of ants produce winged reproductives. For species-specific identification and control, see:
How to Get Rid of Flying Ants Indoors
1. Vacuum the visible ants
Vacuuming flying ants near windows, ceilings, or light sources provides immediate relief.
Empty the canister outdoors afterward.
2. Seal entry points
Flying ants often enter through tiny openings. Seal:
Window frame gaps
Torn screens
Door sweeps
Cracks near soffits and vents
For room-specific prevention steps, see How to Prevent Ants in Your Bathroom Year-Round and How To Get Rid of Ants in the Kitchen.
3. Address leaks and moisture
If flying ants appear near damp wood, leaks, or soft trim, you may have carpenter ants.
Damage around bathroom tiles, sinks, and showers can also signal activity — see Carpenter Ants in Your Bathroom.
4. Use ant baits — not sprays
Sprays kill visible ants but do nothing to the colony.
For best results, place baits along foraging trails and near entry points.
Baiting instructions and product comparisons can be found in our Ant Baiting Techniques guide and Sugar Ants with Borax guide.
5. Be cautious with home remedies
Some natural solutions are helpful, but many don’t eliminate colonies.
For accurate evaluations, see:
How to Prevent Flying Ants Around Your Home
1. Minimize attractants
Indoor attractants include:
Unsealed food
Crumbs
Grease residue
Damp towels
Pet bowls
For a detailed breakdown of what draws ants, see Things You’re Doing to Attract Ants.
2. Control outdoor ant pressure
Many swarms originate outdoors. For outdoor species elimination, see:
3. Protect kitchens, bathrooms, and drains
Ants frequently target moisture-rich rooms. For room-specific troubleshooting:
When to Call a Professional
Call a professional when:
Flying ants appear repeatedly
Swarms emerge from walls or outlets
You find frass, wood shavings, or hollow-sounding wood
You’re unsure whether you’re seeing ants or termites
To understand when a service visit is necessary, see When to Hire an Ant Exterminator.