UK households told 'shut windows' immediately with 'insect buffet' invading
UK households have been warned to keep their windows closed until mid-August due to an impending surge of flying ants. According to insect expert Dr Nathaniel Green, the skies could be swarming with these insects across the country by mid-August.
Dr Green, who has over two decades of experience studying insect behaviour, believes that conditions are "lining up perfectly" for a concentrated burst of the annual phenomenon known as Flying Ant Week.
He predicts that this year's activity will peak between August 13 and August 18, 2025, when warm temperatures, high humidity and calm air create the ideal conditions for millions of winged queens and males to take flight. It comes after an exciting heatwave forecast with maps revealing the exact date a 39C heat plume will scorch the UK.
"When the weather hits that sweet spot, it's like a signal for ants everywhere to take to the air at once," said Dr Green. "Afternoons will be the main time to watch out - or keep your windows firmly shut."
While flying ants aren't dangerous, they're not exactly welcome guests when they drift indoors - and dirty windows could be inviting them in, reports Leeds Live.
"Smears and dust on glass can reflect light in a way that draws insects closer," explained Dr Green. "Add in pollen or organic residue and you've basically got an insect buffet. Cleaning your windows before the swarms hit will make your home far less attractive to them."
Therefore, he's recommending that everyone cleans their windows immediately and keeps them shut during peak times in mid-August. The specialists at Quote My Wall, celebrated for their window sticker installations, have gathered extensive expertise on window-cleaning methods, as spotless glass is essential before any sticker fitting.
They suggest: "Choose the right cleaner – A mix of equal parts white vinegar and water, or a quality glass cleaner, will break down grime and leave nothing for insects to feast on. Swap paper towels for microfibre cloths – They trap dust better, stop streaks, and give you a truly clean surface."
"Pick your moment – Clean on an overcast day. Direct sun dries the solution too fast and leaves marks. The flying phase only lasts a few days," Dr. Green said. "Males die soon after mating, and fertilised queens land to start new colonies."
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Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
UK households told 'shut windows' immediately with 'insect buffet' invading
A surge of flying ants is on its way and households in the UK have been told to keep their windows closed if they don't want to be invaded by the insects UK households have been warned to keep their windows closed until mid-August due to an impending surge of flying ants. According to insect expert Dr Nathaniel Green, the skies could be swarming with these insects across the country by mid-August. Dr Green, who has over two decades of experience studying insect behaviour, believes that conditions are "lining up perfectly" for a concentrated burst of the annual phenomenon known as Flying Ant Week. He predicts that this year's activity will peak between August 13 and August 18, 2025, when warm temperatures, high humidity and calm air create the ideal conditions for millions of winged queens and males to take flight. It comes after an exciting heatwave forecast with maps revealing the exact date a 39C heat plume will scorch the UK. "When the weather hits that sweet spot, it's like a signal for ants everywhere to take to the air at once," said Dr Green. "Afternoons will be the main time to watch out - or keep your windows firmly shut." While flying ants aren't dangerous, they're not exactly welcome guests when they drift indoors - and dirty windows could be inviting them in, reports Leeds Live. "Smears and dust on glass can reflect light in a way that draws insects closer," explained Dr Green. "Add in pollen or organic residue and you've basically got an insect buffet. Cleaning your windows before the swarms hit will make your home far less attractive to them." Therefore, he's recommending that everyone cleans their windows immediately and keeps them shut during peak times in mid-August. The specialists at Quote My Wall, celebrated for their window sticker installations, have gathered extensive expertise on window-cleaning methods, as spotless glass is essential before any sticker fitting. They suggest: "Choose the right cleaner – A mix of equal parts white vinegar and water, or a quality glass cleaner, will break down grime and leave nothing for insects to feast on. Swap paper towels for microfibre cloths – They trap dust better, stop streaks, and give you a truly clean surface." "Pick your moment – Clean on an overcast day. Direct sun dries the solution too fast and leaves marks. The flying phase only lasts a few days," Dr. Green said. "Males die soon after mating, and fertilised queens land to start new colonies."
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Tsunami threat fizzles in Pacific: 'A great relief to us'
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It is one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded and was centered about 74 miles east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. People were advised to move to higher ground around much of the Pacific and warned that the potential danger may last for more than a day. In Hawaii, Governor Green said Black Hawk helicopters have been activated and high-water vehicles were ready to go in case authorities need to rescue people. 'But please do not put yourself in harm's way,' he said. The Honolulu-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center explained how the quake could cause damage along the entirety of the Hawaiian coastline should it strike. The warning called for "urgent action" to "protect the lives and property" of those who live there. President Donald Trump said a 'Tsunami Watch is in effect for Alaska and the Pacific Coast of the United States' and urged people to 'STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE' in a social media post. 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China 's Ministry of Natural Resources' Tsunami Warning Center has issued an alert for parts of the country's east coast along Shanghai and Zhejiang provinces. Mexico's Navy says waves between 30 to 100 centimetres (1 to 3.3 feet) are expected on the Mexican Pacific coast. New Zealand authorities issued warnings of 'strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges' along all coastlines of the South Pacific island nation. Waves were not expected to arrive until late Wednesday night local time, officials said. Where have there been tsunamis? Ports on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia near the quake's epicentre were flooded as residents fled inland, and white waves washed up to the shore in northern Japan. A tsunami has hit coastal areas of Russia 's Kuril Islands and Japan's large northern island of Hokkaido. A tsunami height of up to nearly four metres was recorded in Kamchatka, 60 centimetres on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, and over 40 cm feet above tide levels were observed in Alaska's Aleutian Islands. Waves under 30 centimetres above tide levels were observed in the Alaskan communities of Amchitka and Adak, said Dave Snider, tsunami warning co-ordinator with the National Tsunami Warning Centre in Alaska. Waves of 1.2 metres were also recorded off Oahu, Hawaii. Hawaii governor Josh Green said data from Midway Atoll, which is between Japan and Hawaii, measured waves from peak to trough of 1.8 metres. Green said waves hitting Hawaii could be bigger or smaller and it is too early to tell how large they would be. A tsunami of that size would be akin to a 3ft wave riding on top of surf, he said. Cars jammed streets and major roads in Honolulu, with standstill traffic even in areas away from the shoreline. 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