These winged ants emerge from the nest to mate and establish new colonies. When a swarm of ants emerges inside a home, it's an indication that a nest is present within the structure. Fortunately, the success rate for swarmers establishing new colonies inside buildings is low. Nonetheless, hundreds of winged ants emerging inside a home can be very disturbing and often mistaken for termites. Entomology Winged ants can be distinguished from termites by comparing certain features.
Ants build their nests in many different locations both inside and outside of buildings.
Most ant species prefer to nest outdoors in soil or wood, entering homes in search of food and water. Outdoor nesting ants are especially likely to invade buildings when weather conditions are very wet or dry. Other types of ants establish nests within structures, using hollow spaces behind walls, cracks beneath floors, and structural wood as typical nesting sites. Control of indoor-nesting ants requires a somewhat different approach than for ants nesting outdoors, because the nests usually are hidden or inaccessible. The mistake most people make when attempting to control ants is only spraying the ones they see.