Ants or Termites?
Posted by Phyllis Morris on July 1, 2006
Q: I think I have flying ants in my backyard, I have a sand hill and I saw 50 to 75 flying insects going in and out of holes in the sand. I sprayed with a bug spray because I also have a pool there and I thought these things may attack people going swimming.
Was this the right thing to do??? Thanks
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: New York
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: If you take a look at our October 3 week's unit for 2005 you'll see how to identify termites from ants. Although I can understand you eagerness to keep insects from your swimming guests, you really didn't need to spray them. The ants were getting ready to disperse on a mating flight where winged males and a few new winged ant queens would mate and then go elsewhere to establish their own nests. Although you may have had an occasional ant around the pool, none would sting or bite. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( July 1, 2006)