Why You're Seeing Piles of Wings in Your Home This Fall
- Meagan Forbes
- Nov 10
- 2 min read
Something Strange on the Floor? It Might Not Be What You Think
If you've spotted a small pile of delicate wings on your floor, windowsill or near a light fixture, you're not alone.
Many Ontario homeowners start noticing these mysterious "wing piles" in late summer and fall and wonder where they came from.
The truth?
Those wings usually belong to flying carpenter ants or termites that have recently swarmed and that means there's likely a colony very close by.
Carpenter Ants Swarms vs. Termite Swarms: How to Tell the Difference
Carpenter Ants (Most Common in Simcoe & Muskoka)
Larger, dark ants (6-12mm) with bent antennae
Front wings longer than the back
Often found indoors near bathrooms, kitchens or basements
Leave piles of identical, papery wings after mating season
FUN FACT: Carpenter Ants don't actually eat wood. They excavate it to build nests, which can lead to serious structural damage over time.
Termites (Less Common, but Serious)
Tiny insects (3-5mm) with straight antennae
All four of the wings are the same size
Swarm in spring or early summer, usually near foundations or mulch beds
Leave uniform piles of wings and fine wood dust (frass)
If you suspect termites in Ontario, act quickly. Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage before you even see them.
What it Means When You Find Piles of Wings Indoors
Whether ants or termites, piles of wings indicate one thing:
A mature colony has developed nearby, possibly inside the home.
Flying reproductives (called alates) shed their wings once they've mated and found a place to start a new colony, which means your structure may be hosting the next generation of wood-destroying insects.
What to Do if You Find Wings in Your Home
Don't sweep them away just yet. Collect a few wings or insect bodies in a small bag for identification.
Check for other signs: Sawdust-like debris, clicking sounds in the wall or soft wood.
Avoid using Sprays. They only spray surface insects and can scatter the colony deeper.
Book a professional inspection with a licensed pest control company (Balson Pest Control).
At Balson Pest Control & Wildlife Solutions, we use thermal imaging and visual inspections to locate hidden nests, assess structural damage and design a targeted treatment plan.
Protect Your Home The Balson Way!
Whether it's carpenter ants, termites or wildlife, prevention starts with early detections.
If you've found piles of wings, it's a clear sign to act now before the colony expands.
Remove Pests.
Repair Damage.
Restore Peace of Mind.
That's The Balson Way.
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