Warning to all UK households as flying ants set to hit
People are being warned to 'keep a close eye'
Flying ant season isn't necessarily a cause for concern
(Image: BCPA )
Ants will take wing to mate for a short period of time in July or August – known as flying ant season. However, swarms of flying ants are not something householders should be alarmed about, say experts at British Pest Control Association. But they warn you should ensure they don't get inside.
Young queens will emerge from the nest and take flight in a bid to mate with males from other colonies. Niall Gallagher, technical manager at BPCA said: 'It's not entirely true that ants only fly for one day each year, but the mating season does tend to be just a few days in July or August.
'Mating takes place in the air during the swarming nuptial flight, but the ants will disappear within a few hours and are best left alone.'
Male ants will die shortly after mating, while the queens will chew off their wings and find a nest site where she will stay for the winter.
Niall added: 'Flying ant season isn't necessarily a cause for concern. However, if you have ants in your garden or near to your home, it is sensible to keep a close eye on them and make sure they don't make their way indoors.
'They are highly organised social insects that are attracted to sweet foodstuffs and may invade buildings in search of food.
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'The most common ant in the UK is the black garden ant (Lasius niger). But in large centrally heated buildings such as apartment blocks, tropical species such as Pharaoh's ants and Ghost ants can become a problem and should always be dealt with by a BPCA member as they're much more difficult to control.'
Flying ants entering households typically do so through open windows and doors, or cracks in walls and roofs, seeking food and water. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here
They are attracted to homes for the same reasons as regular ants as it is a readily available food source and a place to nest.
While they may be a nuisance, they are generally harmless and often a sign of a nearby ant colon. They are often drawn to light sources, which can lead them into homes through open windows and doors.
BPCA members are trained, experienced professionals with access to a range of specialist products not available to the public.
They are trained, qualified and regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636.
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BPCA members are also endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme.
To find a BPCA member, you can visit the website here.
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