Nuptial flights
When and where to catch a queen ant in California
9 species that commonly fly in California, with their usual months, the weather to watch for and a way to start each one.
| Species | Flight months | Ideal conditions | Queen size | Type | Recommended setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western carpenter ant Camponotus modoc | May to July | Warm days and evenings | about 16 to 18 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Thief ant Solenopsis molesta | July to September | Warm, humid days | about 4 to 5 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Western carpenter ant Camponotus vicinus | April to July | Warm days, usually after spring rain | about 12 to 15 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Pavement ant Tetramorium immigrans | May to July | Warm, humid days; often seen on pavement | about 7 to 8.5 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Odorous house ant Tapinoma sessile | May to July | Warm, humid days | about 4.5 to 5 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta | March to October | Warm, humid days after rain | about 8 to 10 mm | Fully claustral | Not recommended See the Scout |
| California harvester ant Pogonomyrmex californicus | July to August | Warm mornings after summer rain | about 8 to 10 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Black desert harvester ant Veromessor pergandei | September to November | Fall evenings after rain | about 9 to 11 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
| Desert honeypot ant Myrmecocystus mimicus | July to September | Evenings after monsoon-season rain | about 10 to 12 mm | Fully claustral | Founding: Scout, $24 See the Scout |
How to use this table
Months are approximate. Flights follow warm, humid weather, often after rain, and shift from year to year and across the state. For the weather signs and what to do with a queen, read how to catch a queen.
A queen starts best in a test tube. The Scout takes a 16 mm tube as it is, and the Founder is the next room. See Start here for the order.
Want to see what flies this month? Use the live flight finder.
Before you catch
American Ant makes housing equipment only: nests, outworlds and parts. We do not sell or ship live ants. Check your state and local rules before catching or keeping any ant. Some species, such as imported fire ants, are regulated.
Questions about California
- What is the easiest beginner queen ant to catch in California?
- Camponotus modoc (Western carpenter ant), Camponotus vicinus (Western carpenter ant), Tetramorium immigrans (Pavement ant) are among the easier queens to start in California. Months and conditions vary by year.
- When do queen ants fly in California?
- Across the species listed for California, flights fall roughly between March to November. Each species has its own months, and weather decides the exact day.
- Does American Ant sell queens or colonies?
- No. American Ant makes nests, outworlds and parts only. We do not sell live ants.