How to Get Rid of Flying Ants and Slab Ants in Your Dayton Home
Seeing ants inside your home is frustrating—but when they suddenly appear flying or along your foundation, it can be especially concerning. Flying ants and pavement ants are two of the most common ant issues homeowners face in the Dayton area, and while they’re often associated with warmer months, they can absolutely become a problem in the winter too. If you see ants in your home during the winter, this can be especially concerning as that means there was already an established nest from the warmer months.
Below, we’ll explain how to identify these ants, why they sometimes show up during colder months, and what actually works to get them out of your home for good.
What Are Flying Ants?
Flying ants aren’t a separate species of ant. Instead, they’re reproductive members of an existing ant colony—often called swarmers. Their job is to leave the nest, mate, and start new colonies elsewhere.
Flying ants typically appear when:
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A colony has grown large and mature
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Indoor or outdoor conditions are warm and humid
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Moisture is present inside walls, basements, or crawlspaces
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In Dayton-area homes, flying ants are often seen near windows, light fixtures, or bathrooms where warmth and moisture are present. While most flying ants are not dangerous, their presence usually means there is an established colony nearby—or already inside the structure. This is espcially concerning if the type of flying ant is a carpenter ant (as those are a wood-boring species).
Because flying ants closely resemble termites, proper identification is critical. Ants require very different type of pest control compared to termite treatment approaches, and misidentifying them can lead to ongoing damage or ineffective control.
What Are Pavement Ants?
Pavement ants, sometimes called slab ants, are small ants that nest beneath concrete slabs, foundations, patios, driveways, and basement floors. They are especially common in homes with slab foundations or basements—both of which are common throughout the Dayton area.
These ants enter homes through:
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Cracks in concrete or foundation walls
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Expansion joints
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Gaps around plumbing, utility lines, or sump pumps
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Pavement ants are drawn indoors by warmth, moisture, and accessible food sources. Because their nests are hidden beneath concrete, slab ant infestations can be difficult to resolve without professional treatment. Surface sprays may reduce visible ants, but they rarely eliminate the colony beneath the slab.
Once pavement ants establish a reliable entry point, they tend to return repeatedly unless the nesting area and access points are properly addressed.
Why Flying & Pavement Ants Can Appear in Winter
While ant activity is most common in spring and summer, winter infestations do still happen.
Here’s why:
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- Ants seek warmth when outdoor temperatures drop
- Heated homes create ideal nesting conditions inside walls
- Pavement ants remain active beneath concrete where soil doesn’t fully freeze
- Moisture from winter condensation can attract colonies indoors
This is exactly why one recent Dayton-area homeowner experienced flying and pavement ant activity during the winter months, despite these pests being typically seasonal.
Why DIY Ant Control Often Falls Short
Sprays and over-the-counter baits may reduce visible ants—but they rarely solve the root problem.
Common issues with DIY treatments:
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- The colony isn’t eliminated
- The wrong bait is used for the ant species
- Indoor ants are treated while nests remain outside or under the slab
That’s why ant problems often disappear temporarily—then come right back.
What Does Work
Effective ant control focuses on identifying the species, targeting the colony, and preventing re-entry.
EcoPro’s approach typically includes:
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- Correct identification of flying ants vs. slab ants
- Treating nesting areas—not just visible ants
- Addressing moisture issues and entry points
- Applying targeted, eco-conscious treatments
This is especially important for Dayton homes, where slab foundations, basements, and seasonal moisture changes can contribute to repeat infestations.
Real Results from a Dayton Homeowner
One recent EcoPro customer shared their experience after dealing with winter ant activity:
“Great experience! The technician was very knowledgeable and treated our house for our flying ant and slab ant invaders.”
Making our customers’ homes pest free again is our #1 priority and a task we don’t take lightly.
When to Call EcoPro
If ants keep returning, swarm indoors, or seem to be coming from your foundation—especially during colder months—it’s time to bring in a professional.
EcoPro Termite & Pest provides ant control services for homes and businesses throughout the Dayton area, using solutions that are effective, responsible, and designed for long-term prevention.
Contact EcoPro today to schedule an inspection and protect your home year-round!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are flying ants also a sign of termites?
Not always. Flying ants are often mistaken for termites, but they are different insects. Because the treatments differ, professional identification is strongly recommended. - Why do ants come inside during winter in Ohio?
Ants seek warmth and stable conditions when outdoor temperatures drop. Heated homes, basements, and slab foundations create ideal environments for winter ant activity. - Will ants go away on their own once it gets colder?
Unfortunately, no. Once ants establish a colony indoors or beneath a slab, they’re unlikely to leave without treatment. - How can I prevent ants from coming back next season?
Sealing entry points, reducing moisture, and addressing colonies at the source are key. A professional inspection helps ensure long-term prevention.