Replies

1. 
   Haystax | Jun 20, 2008 07:13am | #1

   Flying ants?? You're in their way??

1. 
   KenHill3 | Jun 20, 2008 07:17am | #2

   Carpenter ants. Seriously.

1. 
   Ted W. | Jun 20, 2008 07:36am | #3

   As far as I know all the wood here is bone dry. I understand that, unlike termites, they don't go to the ground to retrieve moisture, but need wet wood to do their nesting. I'm assuming they're looking for wet wood, and they won't find it here.

   I asked because I've heard about termites growing wings and turning black, this time of the year when they go seeking new wood to destroy. I think that would be my biggest concern. --------------------------------------------------------

   Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com

2. 
   MSA1 | Jun 21, 2008 12:25am | #10

   They must be out of work carpenter ants, I didnt see any tool belts.

    

   Come on, someone had to say it.

1. 
   doodabug | Jun 21, 2008 12:27am | #11

   Turn off the electric and they will go somewhere else.

2. 
   IMERC | Jun 20, 2008 07:48am | #4

   temites or carpenter ants....

   they are stopping over at yur place to eat you out of house and home...

   and desert on yur shop.....

    

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

   WOW!!! What a Ride!
   Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

1. 
   Ted W. | Jun 20, 2008 08:11am | #5

   Hmmm... Kinda like family. :)--------------------------------------------------------

   Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com

1. 
   IMERC | Jun 20, 2008 09:18am | #7

   yup... 

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

3. 
   user-102795 | Jun 20, 2008 08:12am | #6

   These are carpenter ants. The narrowed waist (between the thorax and the abdomen) separates them from termites.

   The following web pages (among many available) offer some information on these little beasties :) We had them in our cottage a few years ago, and know first-hand the damage they can do is dramatic – read: serious. You would be well advised to eliminate them one way or another.

   http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/Carpenter%20ants.htm

   http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef603.asp

   http://www.pestproducts.com/carpenterants.htm

   For a lot more information, just Google "Carpenter ants" and you will find lots more.

   Good luck!

   Ted D.

4. 
   Sphere | Jun 20, 2008 10:08pm | #8

   If a 2 segment body (cigar shaped) Termites, if 3 segs, Carpenter ants.

   Niether one plays nice with damp wood.

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

   "We strive for conversion,we get lost in conversation, and wallow in consternation. "
   Me.

5. 
   Litefoot | Jun 20, 2008 11:09pm | #9

   View Image

   Ted

   See if this helps.

   Mark

    

1. 
   McDesign | Jun 21, 2008 02:00am | #12

   You know, that "thick waist" bit sorta' makes sense.  They're not running around working, like the ants, just sittin' there eatin' carbs.

   Forrest - eschewing carbs at the moment

6. 
   renosteinke | Jun 21, 2008 02:16am | #13

   I had a similar issue over several summers.

   They're a 'swarm' of drones, who have left their home colony, and are out looking for mates - and a new nesting site.

   Are they ants or termites? Google 'flying ants.' You quickly find superb artwork to help you tell the difference.

1. 
   Ted W. | Jun 21, 2008 03:28am | #14

   Thanks for all the replies. These are definately ants. I did a bit of research and found that they are only swarming to mate. Also to find a good new nesting ground, but they won't find it here. Soil is too far from the building, so no moisture readily available. If they were termites it would be an issue, but this building is safe from ants.

   Anyway, they taste real good with milk and sugar, kind of like rice crispies. :)--------------------------------------------------------

   Cheap Tools at MyToolbox.netSee some of my work at TedsCarpentry.com

1. 
   IMERC | Jun 21, 2008 03:29am | #15

   dipped in chocolate is ymmy too.... 

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

   WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

7. 
   bigbarn23 | Jun 21, 2008 03:29am | #16

   They are def. ants (3 segments) but it doesn't have to be carpenter ants. Many ant species have mating seasons where the winged ants look to mate. if you can get me a closer picture I can help you more.

1. 
   CeltsFan | Jun 21, 2008 05:46am | #17

   We had a bunch of those after we had a bunch of mulch delivered. Freaked me out for awhile until I was able to convince myself they weren't termites. Ours went away after a few days.