How to Kill Winged Ants
Winged ants may be a nuisance, but they generally do not carry disease or cause serious damage. When you see winged ants you are seeing the males of the species, and you should know the nonwinged females are nearby. If you have only a few winged ants indoors, count yourself lucky; if there is a swarm inside your home, you likely have a nest somewhere inside. The best way to kill winged ants is to find the nest and destroy the queen. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Discourage your pests. If there aren't many winged ants around, you may be able to get rid of them by getting rid of their food source. Keep all food properly stored, clean your kitchen counters, sweep or vacuum the floor daily, store trash outdoors and thoroughly rinse any recyclable materials before storing.
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Identify the species. Using the link in the References, look up what kind of ant you have. It will help if you have a few ants to look at while you are trying to identify them. Knowing the species will help you find likely nests, foods they eat and suggestions for killing them.
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Find the nest. Set out food that is desirable to the species of ant you are dealing with. Wait a few hours and check to see if the ants have discovered it. If they have, follow the trail of ants back to the nest.
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Destroy the nest. An insecticide appropriate for ants, such as permethrin, can be mixed with water to drench the nest. If you prefer a nonchemical approach, pouring boiling water over the nest can also be effective. If the nest is inaccessible, such as in a wall, you may have to drill a small hole in the wall or floor and fill it with insecticidal dust.
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Treat the perimeter of your home if you cannot find the nest. Permethrin in liquid or granular form is also appropriate for this.
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Tips & Warnings
If you can't find the nest, you may also try a bait form of poison. However, this method may take a few weeks to see results.
Always follow instructions and read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before using any type of chemical insecticide. Do not treat areas to which pets or children may have access. Wash hands thoroughly after use.
