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Isabel Cutler | all galleries >> Galleries >> How does your garden grow? > IMG_6077 Eek!
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14-AUG-2008

IMG_6077 Eek!

At first I thought termites, but then I wondered why they were congregating with so many ants. Thank heavens for the internet. I found that they're flying ants and their swarming is a common summertime occurrence. Spraying is out of the question - not with a bird nest full of babies on the deck. Update, a few hours later: They're all gone, very thankfully! I did nothing but put out a couple of ant baits...I think they just are off looking to establish new colonies. Those with wings are potential queens.

Canon PowerShot A610
1/100s f/2.8 at 7.3mm full exif

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Rachel Pennington18-Aug-2008 19:36
Glad they are gone. What a bunch of them, too!
Ellie Kanary16-Aug-2008 17:49
I've noticed a few around here too though not as many as yours. Seem to have a short lifespan as I've been sweeping their dead bodies off the deck.
Digital Nuts15-Aug-2008 14:55
Yup, they are queens, each one looking to start a colony! Hopefully the find some place other than your yard.
Judith
Máire Uí Mhaicín15-Aug-2008 07:18
Great image! Swarms are fascinating and make you wonder about group decisions! This is a bee one I saw earlier this yearhttp://www.pbase.com/maire/a_bee_story
Guest 14-Aug-2008 21:18
I find that they are usually only around for a day. They're kind of creepy though.
Rose Atkinson14-Aug-2008 21:12
We often get these in the UK - dousing with boiling water works quickly and effectively.
pemkid14-Aug-2008 21:09
Made my skin crawl!
Deb
SAL Photography14-Aug-2008 20:34
There launching Queens! and every one that's successful will start a new colony .
I reciently I read and tried Borox mixed with sugar ! Supposedly they will carry the sugary Borax to the queen and it'll kill her terminating that colony
sal
Guest 14-Aug-2008 19:26
Yikes. Glad it wasn't termites!!
Guest 14-Aug-2008 17:41
These bite so be careful! The swarms usually only last a short time.
Patty