Nuptial Flight - South Florida - Too late?

[JeanTheGeek]

Hi there!
New to ants and this forum and looking for some guidance. After getting bit with the ant keeping bug, I've decided to start my own colony. For the past 2 weeks I would say, I've been hunting for queen ants where I know ants are in abundance. I got to a local state park that has trails throughout. In my walks I have found many different types of ant colonies, size and color. Really interesting stuff. Keeps me occupied for hours at a time. However, I have yet to see any winged ants or their "nuptial flights" in order to catch my queen. Is it too late in the year for that here in South Florida? I sure hope not!

Thank you

[Haze809]

I live in Florida too.. today was a great day.. I noticed we posted about 5 minutes from each other:

https://forum.AntsCanada.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=18528

[JeanTheGeek]

Haha yea, just saw yours and literally just commented on it lol

[chart225]

summer time is the most active for swarmers. Fire ants, Carpenter ants, white footed, and big headed ants. generally fire ants are the most easy to catch. usually after the rain and a humid day.

[spensirnator]

I live in south florida and am looking to start an ant colony if you still have queen ants you’re willing to give away I can gladly take them.

[AM1C39]

If you are looking for a colony have a look at the GAN project or catch a queen yourself.

[cjerg9]

I’d say where you living is the perfect place to catch ants given the conditions. To make it easier to spot queens try and look on bare patches of grass or foot paths where they will really stand out. I also personally find many ants have their nuptial flights in the afternoon, but this is not always the case.

[AntLuvForever]

WARNING!———> Fire ants are easy to catch and raise but the problem starts after the second generation of workers. The colony can grow literally too big for some people and they have a nasty sting. But if you are dedicated, it is possible. AntsCanada have the Phoenix Empire as a example. So it is possible, just a LOT of work on your part.

[Hootymcowlface]

I live in south florida and am looking to start an ant colony if you still have queen ants you’re willing to give away I can gladly take them.

I just caught 4 queen carpenter ants last evening after the rains. What area of FL are you in? I'm around Clearwater location. I'm also looking for fire, big headed, or white footed. Flight season is just getting going.