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Unidentifiable insects #933719

Asked June 01, 2026, 11:51 AM EDT

I am seeing many of an unknown flying bug on my deck. They don’t appear to be flies as they’re relatively easy to trap. I’m hoping they’re not flying ants. So IThey don’t appear to be flies as their relatively easy to trap. I’m hoping they’re not flying ants. So I would like to identify them in order to get the right treatment.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for the question.

Unfortunately, your pictures lack sufficient resolution and focus for me to identify who is visiting you. There is not a particular ant species called “flying ant”. Many ant species in Minnesota undergo a specific stage in their life where both males and females have wings. This is during their mating season, which for certain Minnesota ant species is now (early June 2026). During this time of the year you would expect to find them outside in relatively large numbers. They pose no threat to you or your property. They are not termites. For now, just ignore them. They should disappear within the next couple of weeks. See the following:

https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/ants

https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/carpenter-ants

https://sib.illinois.edu/news/2023-09-18/dont-be-alarmed-swarms-flying-ants

Good luck. Thanks for consulting our forum.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 01, 2026, 12:37 PM EDT

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