Flying ants — also known as swarmers or alates — often seem to appear on the same sunny day, 'flying ant day', around the UK. While there presence doesn't pose much threat to humans, their constant swarming can be irritating – especially when dining alfresco.
Generally, you're most likely to encounter the black garden flying ant (Lasius niger) in your garden. In some cases, their nests will have anywhere between 5,000 and 15,000 ant workers, so a large swam can be bad news for summer soirées.
Are you wondering how to get rid of flying ants? Take a look at everything you need to know ahead of flying ant season…
While flying ants buzz around for a few weeks, they tend to all emerge on a similar day around the country. While there is no set date for flying ant day 2022, it usually falls in July or August on a hot, humid day (often after heavy rain fall). Since ant swarms are triggered by temperature, ants over a large area can often appear on the same day if conditions are similar across it.
The Royal Society of Biology (RSB) says: "Flying ants often seem to appear on the same day in different locations in the UK – flying ant day. Most ant colonies start with a flying ant – when young queens leave the nest to found their own colony. Our survey found that there is often not just one flying ant day but on as many as 96% of days between the start of June and the start of September flying ants are spotted."
Why do flying ants suddenly appear?
Flying ants – whose sole purpose is to start a new colony — are often seem in large groups as this gives them protection from predators (they are safer in large numbers). You'll likely to see them emerge during the summer months as they embark on their "nuptial" flight. With breeding on the agenda, they are drawn to warmer seasons when the temperature, humidity and wind conditions are just right for them.
How do I get rid of flying ants?
Like other insects, flying ants are attracted to sweet delicious treats, such as honey. To keep them away from your home, some of the things you can do include keeping kitchen surfaces clean, sealing bins, keeping food out of sight and mopping floors to ensure there is no ant trail.
While prevention is the best way to get rid of them, you can try to banish their presence by using all-natural spray with peppermint oil. Fill a few droplets into a spray bottle, add with water or dish soap and then mix well. It might not stop them coming back, but it will certainly reduce their current presence.
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How long do flying ants stay around?
Winged ants emerge over several weeks, usually in high and humid temperatures. Another reason ants stay around in large numbers is to increase the chance of reproduction, as bigger groups will mean they won't have to look far to mate.
Are flying ants bad?
No, flying ants aren't bad or dangerous. While carpenter ants can chew through wood and create property damage, flying ants won't bite and are not poisonous. A large swam can, however, lead to a full ant infestation around your home.
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