looking for pheidole queens

[applepie]

I live in northern Illinois and I was curious as to how common Pheidole ants are in the region, and if its even worth trying to search for them.
I am pretty sure that their nuptial flights occur in July.

[TheRealAntMan]

I’ve never caught a Pheidole sp. in Illinois nor have I seen one in Illinois but I hear they are more common in southern Illinois. Chicago has weird, unstable weather (especially in the winter time) so that’s why I believe they are rare here.