Swarming Ants in Snohomish County: What They Mean and How to Stop an Infestation
If you’ve recently seen ants with wings flying around your yard, porch, or windowsills, you’re not alone. Late summer in Snohomish, Everett, Bothell, and surrounding areas is peak time for ant swarms and while it might look like a sudden infestation of termites, what you’re actually seeing is something very different and just as important to handle.
Let’s break down what these flying ants mean, why they’re showing up now, and how to stop them from turning into a major ant infestation.
Why Do Ants Suddenly Have Wings?
It might surprise you, but flying ants aren’t a different species, they’re a seasonal form of the same ants you see on your kitchen counter. When a colony reaches maturity, it produces a special group of winged ants called swarmers or alates. Their mission? Mating and starting new colonies.
Swarming usually happens in warm, humid weather, often after a rain. You’ll spot them in large numbers for a day or two, especially near windows, decks, garden beds, or foundation cracks.
Flying Ants vs. Termites: How to Tell the Difference
Worried you’ve got termites? Here’s a quick comparison:
While flying ants have a narrow, pinched waist and bent or elbowed antennae, termites have a broad body with straight antennae. Termites also have wings that are all the same length, and flying ant’s front wings are longer than the back. Another key thing to look for is their behavior. Are they swarming in the evening? Then they are most likely termites where as if they are seen in warm daylight, they are most likely flying ants.
Still unsure? Don’t take chances, a professional inspection can tell you for sure.
What Does an Ant Swarm Mean for Your Home?
If you’re seeing a swarm outside, it might be a colony expanding nearby, possibly even on your property. But if you’re spotting them indoors, that’s a red flag. It could mean:
- A mature nest is hidden inside your walls, floors, or attic
- Moisture issues (like leaks or rotting wood) are attracting carpenter ants
- The infestation is large enough to start new satellite colonies
Without treatment, those flying ants could mean dozens of new colonies and a year-round headache. Carpenter ants in particular can cause costly structural damage by hollowing out wood for nesting. Even odorous house ants, while less destructive, can quickly spread through kitchens and pantries, contaminating food supplies.
How to Prevent Ant Swarms From Becoming Infestations
The best time to act is before ants settle in and start building. Here’s what you can do right now:
- Seal cracks and crevices around doors, windows, and foundations
- Trim vegetation away from your home to eliminate “bridges” for ants
- Repair moisture issues like leaky faucets, damaged gutters, or soggy crawlspaces
- Store food in sealed containers and wipe up crumbs/spills promptly
- Use baits or barrier treatments to intercept foraging ants
- Inspect crawlspaces and attics for signs of nesting
- Schedule a professional ant inspection annually during peak swarm season
Flying Ant and Termite FAQs:
Are swarming ants dangerous?
Swarming ants aren’t dangerous themselves, but they signal that a colony is growing nearby. Ignoring them can lead to a larger infestation.
Do swarming ants always mean an infestation?
Not always, but if you see them indoors or repeatedly, it likely means there’s a nest nearby or even inside your home.
What is the difference between flying ants and termites?
Flying ants have pinched waists, bent antennae, and two uneven wing pairs. Termites have thick waists, straight antennae, and four equal-length wings.
Let Snohomish Pest Control Stop the Swarm Before It Spreads
At Snohomish Pest Control, we specialize in identifying and eliminating the root cause of ant infestations, not just the ones you see. Our experienced technicians know how to locate hidden nests, treat active colonies, and create long-term prevention plans to keep your home protected.
We service homes using safe, effective methods that work. If you’re seeing flying ants or suspect a colony near your home, call Snohomish Pest Control today at 425‑600‑7755. Our licensed team will inspect, treat, and prevent future infestations keeping your home in Snohomish, Everett, or Lake Stevens pest-free all year.