Massive Swarm of Flying Ants Descends on Chicago’s Morgan Park Neighborhood
Chicago residents in the Morgan Park neighborhood were taken by surprise when a huge swarm of flying ants descended upon the area. Tim Blackburn, a resident, described the scene as hundreds of ants streaming down the driveway, covering everything in sight including people, sidewalks, and driveways. The swarm lasted for about 45 minutes, causing residents to seek refuge in their garages.
According to Andy Suarez, an ant researcher at the University of Illinois, this sudden onslaught of flying ants was likely their annual nuptial flight. During this time, certain ants stretch out their wings and fly in search of mates. Ants are social organisms that live in colonies, headed by a queen and maintained by female workers. The queen lays hundreds of eggs each day to increase the colony’s workforce.
Suarez explains that at certain times of the year, the focus of the queen shifts towards laying eggs that will grow up to be future queens and male ants that can mate with them. These winged ants emerge from their nests, fly around to find partners, mate, and start new colonies.
Each species of ant in Chicago takes flight at different times, and the flights are usually coordinated within each species. Scientists believe that decreasing daylight and increasing rainfall may trigger the flights.
While the ants’ flight is primarily aimed at producing more ant colonies, it also provides a valuable food source for birds, rodents, and other insects ahead of the winter months. Additionally, the new colonies help aerate the soil and contribute to garden health by eating other pests.
Although some people may be alarmed by the flying ants, Suarez suggests embracing it as a natural occurrence and leaving them alone if they are in the yard. If they are flying around the house, a vacuum cleaner can be used to get rid of them without resorting to pesticides.
Residents like Matt Gandurski, who experienced thousands of flying ants in his backyard, are still dealing with the aftermath of the swarm. The ants died and stuck to patio furniture, requiring thorough cleanup.
The few queens who successfully mate will hatch their first workers in late fall. These workers will prepare the new colonies’ nests before the cold weather sets in. The colonies will truly thrive in the spring when the queen ramps up egg-laying and establishes a full workforce.
As residents continue to navigate this unusual event, they are hopeful that the queens who made it will successfully establish new colonies.
