How to get rid of flying ants – 7 expert tips for keeping the swarms at bay 

The easiest way to get rid of flying ants? Make your home less attractive to them by storing food properly. Flying ants are just mature ‘normal’ ants, and will be equally attracted to any sweet sticky foods they find lying about. 

Andreev says: “The simplest but most effective way to prevent flying ants is to keep your home clean. In the same way as all pests, flying ants are attracted to food sources around your house (kitchen, dining room, even your bedroom if you enjoy midnight snacks). Cleaning up your kitchen and dining areas can help deter them from entering your home. Additionally, make sure to store any food leftovers in airtight containers to discourage unwanted visitors.” 

This is the top tip specific to deterring winged carpenter ants – replace any damp and decaying wood on your property that has attracted their nests. Also, you’ll need to repair and make good the source of the moisture. Leaks from plumbing or your roof will need to be eliminated. 

To keep further infestations from occurring, stop any direct contact between your wooden structure and the ground. This includes any things that attract moisture like piles of soil, plants and mulch.  

Have a big pile of firewood to store? Keep it as far from your home as possible and preferably in a dry place. 

Before the flying ant season begins, make plans to prevent them from entering your home. Inspect your property for cracks and repair any holes or gaps that would allow flying ants to enter. 

Andreev points out that flying ants are no different from any other creatures that will try to exploit weaknesses to gain entry to your home. “Ensure that you seal any potential entry points on your home’s exterior with caulk and check them on a regular basis. By taking this preventive measure, you will not only keep flying ants out but also other pests.” 

If flying ants are spotted in your neighbourhood, keeps windows and doors closed. 

Try using natural deterrents like orange and lemon peel near spots you suspect flying ants may try to gain entry –  they find the strong scents off-putting. 

They also detest essential oils. Andreev adds: “You only need to add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water, and spray it on your windows, doors, and other potential entry points. You can also create a natural barrier around your home by planting herbs such as rosemary and peppermint.” 

As with house flies, fly screens will allow you to enjoy some fresh air and cool down while giving the flying ants an impenetrable barrier to entry. 

If all else has failed and flying ants have invaded your home, the good news is that they are way more interested in mating than stinging you.  

Got a vacuum cleaner to hand? Use it to suck up any flying ants and take the bag outside to be emptied immediately. 

If the swarm is truly out of control and you feel you have to resort to harsher measures, try pesticide spray. 

Not into chemicals and prefer to use what’s on hand? Mix two parts water with one part washing-up liquid and then add a few drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle. The oil suffocates flying ants and the soap dehydrates them.  

All creatures have a role to play in the circle of life. Wherever possible we would prefer not to harm them. However, if you have a particularly destructive flying ant nest on your property, dealing with the potential swarm at the source is an option.

The best plan of attack will keep your garden intact without causing damage. But you will need to completely wipe out the nest to halt their breeding.

Pay attention and see if you can work out where their colony is. Once you have discovered its location you can set a borax trap. Mix your bait using a sweet substance like honey or agave with borax. Place it as close as possible to where you think the nest is.

The flying ants will collect the mixture and take it back to the colony, where it will disrupt their reproductive cycle.

Not sure where the colony is located? Insecticidal dust can be introduced to the colony but to work, all tunnels would need to be located as well. This is best left to a professional.

Flying ants in or around your property could signal the formation of a new colony. The more flying ants you notice, the closer the colony is likely to be.  

In the case of winged carpenter ants,  the infestation may quickly grow, especially if you’re struggling to pinpoint the location of the ants’ nest to treat it with chemicals or baits. 

And when a serious carpenter flying ant infestation is suspected, any delay in calling the professionals may be costly. 

Bringing in a professional to deal with the infestation may also limit your chances of a reoccurring infestation. 

Andreev advises: ‘If you notice a swarm of flying ants inside your home, there may be an ant colony inside your wall voids or nearby on your property. This is not a common situation; however, it happens and can be dealt with by baits and traps.  

“Whenever you’re dealing with a persistent or extensive flying ant infestation, you may wish to consider hiring a pest control professional he advises, “Identifying the source of the infestation and implementing effective treatment strategies requires experts with the right knowledge, tools, and experience. A professional exterminator can provide targeted solutions to completely eliminate them.”