Flying ant swarms as large as rain clouds as Welsh experts advise action
Already swarms have been detected over parts of Britain that were so large, they were mistaken for shower clouds when picked up on radar this week. Near London they appeared as 'strange, flashing echoes' on Met Office radar screens.
The forecaster noted: 'Radar works by emitting electromagnetic beams that reflect off small particles like raindrops. Flying ants, being similar in size to raindrops, can also reflect these beams, creating radar signatures that resemble precipitation.
"This phenomenon, often seen during 'Flying Ant Day,' is a fascinating example of how biological activity can intersect with meteorological technology.'
It is a common misconception that flying ants appear only one day every summer. But research has revealed the insects take flight on multiple occasions during the summer, typically from mid-July to the end of August.
This year's warmer-than-average weather appears have triggered earlier swarms. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
Queen ants and males tend to leave their nests to create their own colonies when the weather is hot and humid - typically when the temperature exceeds 25C, there is little wind and there is a chance of rain in the following days.
North Wales Wildlife Trust is warning householders to expect some inundations this year. A spokesperson said: 'Flying ants will be taking to the skies towards the end of July in a mating process which can actually last several weeks.
'The warm weather and wet conditions are likely to cause huge swarms this year - it's expected to be one of the biggest in recent memory! It's best to keep your windows and doors shut during their peak swarming time and leave them to it!"
Ants mate on the wing because it increases their chances of reproduction. The queen will then attempt to start a new nest before losing her wings.
Each nest will have a single queen, typically presiding over worker ants that can number between 5,000-15,000. Like most flies, the ants are attracted to sweet foods, so it's best to keep these covered if you don't want your house to be invaded.
Fly screens will help prevent them entering homes. In hot weather – like that forecast for later this week – keeping curtains shut during the day will help to keep them out while also maintaining cooler temperatures.
Flying ants can bite, although the bite is usually not harmful. In the UK, most of them are common black garden ants whose mandibles can't bite through human skin.
On the other hand, red ants can bite if they feel threatened – and they do have a stinger. Their bites can cause a sharp, painful sting and may lead to a mild allergic reaction. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
North Wales Wildlife Trust said the pesky insects may be annoying but they actually have positive environmental roles. A spokesperson added: 'Although they may be a bit of a nuisance, black ants are an important source of food for birds, and a friend to butterflies. Their tunnelling is also vital for soil health.'
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