Lots of small black bugs with white wings around window - Ask Extension
I left the window to an upstairs room open during the weekend while out of town, I came back to lots of dead black bugs with white wings all around th...
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Lots of small black bugs with white wings around window #718441
Asked August 28, 2020, 8:32 AM EDT
I left the window to an upstairs room open during the weekend while out of town, I came back to lots of dead black bugs with white wings all around the window. My girlfriend told me she recently sprayed some insect killer after seeing a few bugs. It’s lots of them but luckily they are all dead. I cleaned it up and yesterday left the window open again, they are back.... still dead though. I’m not sure if they are coming in the window and touching something with insect killer on it and dying or just hitting the end of their life cycle. There is some water damage to the wall that window is on and some of the wood slats in it are damaged too. It’s not by any trash can, food or plants. Any ideas on what the bug is?
Allegheny County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
Hello,
The bugs look like flying ant. There are different type of flying ants, but considering that you noticed them around a window and water damage, it might be carpenter ants. Carpenter nest can be found in areas around windows and in moist or decayed wood (caused by exposure to water leaks, condensation, or poor air circulation). Perhaps you have a nest inside. As they can damage wood, I suggest you call a pest management professional.
I attached a good website from University of Minnesota that explain how to identify carpenter ants and prevention and control.
https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/carpenter-ants#indoor-control-of-carpenter-ants-104012
Good luck,
The bugs look like flying ant. There are different type of flying ants, but considering that you noticed them around a window and water damage, it might be carpenter ants. Carpenter nest can be found in areas around windows and in moist or decayed wood (caused by exposure to water leaks, condensation, or poor air circulation). Perhaps you have a nest inside. As they can damage wood, I suggest you call a pest management professional.
I attached a good website from University of Minnesota that explain how to identify carpenter ants and prevention and control.
https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/carpenter-ants#indoor-control-of-carpenter-ants-104012
Good luck,
