Just days after Southwest Florida's first major rainfall of the year, Golden Gate Estates is being swarmed — not by mosquitoes, but by flying ants in full mating mode.
It’s a natural phenomenon we see each year around May.
"We hadn't ever seen the swarms like this happen before, and we were pretty surprised to see, especially coming through the lanai with the screen enclosure all over our back doors, " said Joseph Posca, a Golden Gate Estates homeowner.
After heavy rain breaks a dry spell, ant colonies release fertile males and females into the air for breeding. The result is hundreds or even thousands of flying insects gathering near homes, especially around lights, breeding.
"We're getting a lot of calls for it this time of year. When we get this first big rain, from a big drought — usually everybody will go into breeding mode," said William Sillery with B&T Pest Solutions.
The swarms often appear near outdoor lights and can squeeze through tiny spaces, even lanai screens, and under doors.
"Definitely hundreds. We're talking about through a screen enclosure," said Posca.
Though most flying ants die soon after mating, pest control experts warn that if a swarm is large enough, the next generation may return unless action is taken.
"We use a non-repellent that it's a continuous killing for them. So that way, as they do come across it, it's a continuous kill," said Sillery.
To minimize future invasions, experts recommend reducing outdoor lighting at night and sealing entry points.
"Until we get consecutive rain, it'll be like this," said Sillery.
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