Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

What are these large black ants with wings?

Question: I keep getting large black, look like big ants, some have wings, in my bathroom. They do not look like termites. They bite. One stung or bit me on the foot. They only seem to be in the 2nd floor bathroom. Any ideas for me on what they are?

Answer: These are probably carpenter ants. Without a specimen it is difficult to make a proper identification, so I am basing my identification on your description. Most are large black ants, though some might be red or a combination of red and black. Most will swarm in the spring. They feed on other insects and honeydew from aphids on plants.

Carpenter Ant Working Close Up

Carpenter Ant Working Close Up

Carpenter ants like to nest in wood that has been damaged from moisture, though they do not eat the wood. If there is a nest in the house, it is because there is wood damaged from moisture somewhere in the home:

  • in the bathroom from a tub or shower that is not draining correctly or overflows often

  • a porch that holds moisture

  • a leaky roof leak

  • a wet door frame (rain)

  • a spout or gutter that does not work

Carpenter ants tend to be active inside in the spring. Look for them in the kitchen and other areas of the home in February and March. There may be a nest in the house. Later in the spring, they may go outdoors; however, this does not mean that they have been controlled. Sometimes the nest is outdoors and they are just foraging for food indoors.

Contact your local Orkin branch office to have a highly trained Orkin Inspector come to your home and help you to properly identify the ants and locate the nest. That would be the first order of business. Your Orkin Inspector will assess the situation and develop a customized treatment plan that best suits your situation.

Ask Orkin

Get More Answers from Orkin

Should I buy a house with beam damage from insects?

Q

Could it be ants instead of termites causing the damage?

Long, brown, hard shell bug that jumps

Carpenter Ant Infestation in the House

Q

Large carpenter ant infestations can cause structural damage to your home. Make sure your home is protected from carpenter ants with Orkin.

Rat Mite Bites vs. Bed Bug Bites

Q

Learn how to tell the difference between rat mites and bed bug infestations. Call an Orkin Pro for help with mite and bed bug control.

Do Bed Bugs Have Wings? | Flying Bed Bugs

How can I get rid of a spider in my car?

Q

I saw a spider in my car today, but I was unable to kill it. What can I do now?

What kind of spider do I have?

Q

I have large, hairy spiders in and around my house. Is it a tarantula or something else?

How or where do bed bug infestations originate?

Q

I was wondering if you could answer some questions for me so I could include them in my article.

Is pest control safe for newborn babies?

Q

We have a newborn in our house, and I'm wondering if it is safe to spray for pests.

Is it normal to see dead bugs showing up for several days after a pest control treatment

Q

If so, does that mean there is an infestation problem?

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2023 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers

Your Branch  

Call Now