What are ants with wings in a house?

Flying ants in the house often signify a carpenter ant infestation, especially when they are found in colder months. Carpenter ants are commonly mistaken for termites, which also have wings, resemble an ant and can be found indoors.

Carpenter ants are much more likely to be found out in the open than termites. Carpenter ants are characterized by a dark body, thin waist, bent antennae and hind wings that are shorter than its front wings. Carpenter ants build nests in wood, but they don't eat wood like termites. Carpenter ants are best controlled using an insecticide or ant baits. In some cases, homeowners must drill a small hole into the nest of carpenter ants to administer insecticide.