Small flying insect

Hi all,

Would anyone know what these flying insects are? I've got probably at least about 50 of them all over my balcony (and bedroom window) at times.

Are they flying ants? Although I feel they don't come through until summer. Flying termites? Would not be great for my wooden balcony boards.

I'm on the top floor and I don't have anything on my balcony / keep the balcony clean, but am worried that whatever they are they are nesting somewhere on the roof / close by.

 

What is your location? There are different insects in different parts of the country?

Are you finding the insects inside the house or only outside?

 

I think this is a flying ant, which would be a reproductive phase of the ant colony. Termites are also swarming this time of year in much of the country. I'd like to see the underside view of the insect, but if you look closely, maybe with magnifier, see if it is a 3 segmented body. If so, that is definitely an ant. Swarming termites, which are also reproductive phase, have a one piece body.

I can't tell what kind of ant it is, but it could be a carpenter ant among others. If so, that may warrant attention although not nearly as serious of an issue as termites would be.

 

Pilot Dane, I'm in the UK actually. Thankfully the insects are currently only outside, but I also keep my windows closed at present, as I'm vary I don't want to invite them to nest in here if they're looking for somewhere...

PAbugman, that's really useful, thank you. The pictures were from the underside of the insects - they're resting on the outside of my balcony doors. I tried to get some close ups (apologies for the blurriness) but they do appear to have 3 segmented bodies, so that could be a relief.

I've ordered some ant bait, in the hopes this might help. But is it worth investing in someone to come look at these in case they are carpenter ants?

 

Yes, I'd want to get them ID'd better. Here in the states I'd suggest taking specimens to the County Agricultural Extension Agent, which is a satellite office of a university in each county. They are a valuable source of objective information, no sales pitch. If you have an equivalent in UK I would suggest that. Even if they are carpenter ants, it is not an emergency, don't let anyone scare you into action. Take time to educate yourself on choices and find trusted pest control operators if desired. If they are carpenter ants, then a bait more designed for carpenter ants would be better than a generic ant bait.

I searched for carpenter ant images and saw a wide range of body shapes, including the pointed abdoment that your ants have which I don't think we have here in northeast US. Even harmless ants have reproductive phases; hopefully this is what they will be. Keep us posted!