I have flying ants on my home siding and foundation

Question: I've recently found some flying insects swarming on the foundation and siding of my home. I have also seen them in flowerbeds away from the house, but they don't look like anything on your pest charts. They look almost like a flying ant. We live in Maine. (Are there termites in Maine?) Any advice?

Answer: Winged ants or flying ants may be seen almost any time of the year, but most often in the late spring and the summer.

Ant colonies commonly produce these winged reproductives (called swarmers, which are males and females). Their job is to fly out from the colony to start new colonies. The presence of swarmers is an indication that there is a mature ant colony close by or in the house. This can be problematic as the ants are looking for a place to establish a new colony. What could be more problematic is the presence of termite swarmers. While the incidence of termites in Maine may not be large, they do exist there.

Contact us for assistance. A highly trained Orkin Pest Specialist will conduct a thorough inspection of your home looking for the source of the nest and any other nests or insect issues, including termites, around your property. Upon assessing the situation, they will develop a customized, scientifically proven treatment plan that best fits your specific needs.

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