Winged Ants

[Bonnie]

Yesterday whilst hoovering lifted the curtains at the patio doors. Found hundreds of minute ants
On closer inspection found on the backs of the curtains and the wall behind much larger winged ants.
They seemed dopey and made no attempt to fly when brushed off.
I've seen many different species of ants here in Cyprus but never before a winged ant.
I googled it but didn't really find any information.
I wondered has anyone else had experience of these winged ants.
I know in the U.K. on certain usually hot days flying ants swarm much to the delight of the gulls, but I've never experienced that here in Cyprus.

[Mint1955]

They might well be termites which is quite a problem here in Cyprus

[aljanyoung]

Yes I agree, they sound like the termites we had in door surround. It is important to have them dealt with as they spread throughout the house.

[Heaven]

We are being plagued by ants this year. Never had it so bad. Yes we have over the years, had winged ants coming in through electric sockets etc. The wings drop off. I usually just give a good spray with ant killer.

[Bowman]

Winged ants are of two types, that is virgin females and males. They are helped out of the nests (in a given area) by the work ants.
They then mate on the wing. The male die and the females start a new nest.
By all of the same spices, in a given area, perform the marriage flight together helps to maintain the gene pool.

On the other hand they could be termites, which is easily seen by the shape.

Regards Mike Turner

[Jonnie]

Most likely termites, particularily bad in traditional stone houses. Have a stab with a screwdriver at the woodwork round your doors and windows usually where it joins the floor it it is soft and crumbly you have a problem

[sophie]

Be careful about slamming your door. I know someone who had their front door slam hard in a draft and the whole thing just turned into virtual dust. They hadn't a clue they had termites.