Question
bugs in bathroom
It all started a few weeks ago when we found some regular looking ants in the bathroom, which we thought was odd. We killed them, and then a few days later we started seeing these things. The military housing we live in is old but remodeled. I thought they were coming from a 1/2 inch gap between the wall and sink base, but now I see them throughout the bathroom. Today I saw 2 in the second bathroom (which is right behind the wall of the first). I need help determining what type of bug this is. It looks like an ant (3 separate body parts) but it has clear like wings but does not fly. I kill at least 20 a day and they are only in my bathroom. I have seen them on my walls, in my sink, window sill and shower. Bug spray does work, but more come back. I thought they may be carpenter ants, but because they are small, I am not so sure. Does this mean they have a nest in our home? Someone is supposed to come spray next week, but I am concerned that there may be damaged in the old baseboards, or even behind the walls. Please help. I do apologize for the dead bug picture, but it was very difficult getting the image clear.
AnswerDonna,
Your description on the image is perfect. This is a winged ant. Ant colonies occasionally release large numbers of winged ants called "reproductives" (male and female) that mate and start new colonies. It appears that an ant colony in the wall has released just such a flight. These do not appear to be carpenter ants so there's probably no damage in walls. You may be able to control these ants with baits (see http://www.livingwithbugs.com/ant_bait.html for info about ant baits) but if the colony is large it may require drilling and treating inside the walls. Spraying around the baseboard only won't be very effective.
Post a follow up if you have questions.
Jack DeAngelis
http://www.livingwithbugs.com (the 'Bugs website)
