Warning over disorientated seagulls ‘on acid' wreaking havoc in UK seaside towns due to annual phenomenon
The birds might be behaving strangely due to annual phenomenon.
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Seagulls might appear 'drunk' and disoriented
Credit: Getty
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Seagulls feed on ants which produce acid
Credit: Getty
Swarms of giant flying ants will take to the skies over the
next
few days.
It marks the beginning of the insects' mating season, dubbed Flying Ants Day.
However, the bizarre phenomenon lasts for considerably longer than a day, often two weeks.
But it's not swarms of ants that people should be aware of.
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Seagulls could be seen acting disoriented and having trouble flying as if they are intoxicated.
The flying pests produce an acid which makes seagulls who eat the ants "slightly drunk".
A spokesman for Sompting Wildlife Rescue told the Argus: 'These ants release formic acid as a natural defence.
"In small amounts, it's harmless, but when gulls gobble down a feast of ants, it can cause them to appear disoriented or 'drunk', stumbling around and struggling to fly properly."
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The animal rescue organisation has cautioned drivers to slow down if they see seagulls near the roads.
The birds are especially vulnerable as they might move slower than usual and struggle to avoid the traffic.
The spokesman continued: 'If you see a gull behaving strangely by the roadside, please slow down and give them space - they might just need a little time to recover.
'These gulls can show symptoms that look like bird flu, which raises concerns.
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'But in many cases, they're not sick at all.
'Let's avoid unnecessary action like euthanasia - a bit of fresh water and rest is often enough to get them back on their feet (or wings).
'Let's help our feathered friends through this odd patch of nature.'
The ants fly in swarms to boost their chances of reproduction and defend themselves against predators, according to the museum.
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The ants are triggered to reproduce by a shift in temperature from wet weather to hot humid conditions.
By the end, billions of ants will have taken to the skies.
Flying ants only live up to a couple of days after flying ant day.
This is why it is common to see hundreds of dead ants on footpaths and car bonnets after the event.
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What are flying ants and how to protect your home from the swarms:
Often referred to as alates, flying ants are fertile male and female ants whose sole purpose is to reproduce and start a new colony.
The most common type of flying ant is the black garden variety (the Lasius niger), whose nests have a single queen and anything from 5,000 to 15,000 workers.
Flying ants are not dangerous insects and are unlikely to bite.
Even though they're harmless, flying ants are still annoying - but fortunately, there are many household items which can be used to get rid once and for all.
Spraying with dish-washing soap mixed with water can dehydrate the ants.
Asparteme-based sweeter is said to be effective.
Combining this with juice to form a paste means the critters will carry it back to their colony - killing off some of the ant population in the process.
Distributing some insecticidal powder around window and door openings can also prevent the ants from entering your home.
Rentokil also says to clean up after yourself and keep food and rubbish bags sealed tightly.
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