Warning issued ahead of annual 'Flying Ant Day' in Ireland
'Flying Ant Day', which is more formally referred to as the nuptial flight, is not actually a single-day event but rather, an extended period of time when winged ants leave their nests to mate mid-air to establish new colonies. Because of the fluctuation between wet and warm weather this summer, it is likely to bring about the perfect conditions for greater swarms.
The increase in humidity is also set to help keep ants' wings and bodies moist while flying.
"We expect to see high levels of ant activity this summer, particularly during warm and humid spells in July and August," Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager for Rentokil in Ireland, said.
"While people often refer to 'Flying Ant Day', it is in reality a series of swarming events that take place over several weeks. These insects may be a nuisance, particularly during outdoor dining or events, but they also play a role in the ecosystem, aerating the soil and serving as food for birds.
"However, ant infestations in homes or businesses can escalate quickly. Ants leave pheromone trails when they find a food source, attracting more ants to the area. Prevention is key to avoiding a problem."
Rentokil has issued some advice to limit the effects of the 'Flying Ant Day':
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The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Irish urged to do 8 things in home NOW amid ‘larger than usual swarms' warning as thousands of flying bugs to hit skies
IRISH households have been warned of "larger than usual swarms" of flying ant activity in the coming weeks. Every 2 The 'Flying Ant Day' sees millions of bugs take to the sky at once 'Flying Ant Day', also known as the nuptial flight, is not a single-day event but an extended period during which winged ants emerge from their nests to mate mid-air and establish new colonies. This year, the alternating spells of wet and warm And high humidity can help to keep ants' wings and bodies moist during flight. This swarming strategy is believed to help more ants survive by overwhelming their predators such as swifts and gulls. Read more in News After mating mid-air, the male ants, which are smaller, fall to the ground and die, while the newly fertilized female queens shed their wings and burrow into the soil to nest and start new colonies. The event also sees millions of bugs take to the sky at once. The winged ants are harmless and won't bite or invade your property permanently - in fact they can be beneficial as they feed birds, aerate soil and recycle nutrients. However, they can understandably be a nuisance if you want to sit out with a drink in the sun. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN Ireland's leading pest control provider Rentokil has issued a warning of increased ant activity in the coming weeks. From worm bread to mealworm kebabs... could eating bugs and insects in everyday food be the future? Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager for Rentokil in Ireland, said: 'We expect to see high levels of "While people often refer to 'Flying Ant Day', it is in reality a series of swarming events that take place over several weeks. "These insects may be a nuisance, particularly during outdoor dining or events, but they also play a role in the ecosystem, aerating the soil and serving as food for birds. 'However, "Ants leave pheromone trails when they find a food source, attracting more ants to the area. Prevention is key to avoiding a problem." EIGHT THINGS TO DO NOW TO SEAL HOME Here are some ant prevention tips from the pest experts at Rentokil... Block entry points by sealing cracks and crevices around doors, windows and pipework. Sweep up food debris from under kitchen appliances and units. Clear up any food or liquid spillages immediately. Store your food in airtight containers wherever possible. If you have a pest, clear away uneaten food promptly. Make sure all rubbish bins have tightly sealed lids. Keep compost enclosed in your garden. Keep windows and doors shut, or install fly screens to allow ventilation while keeping insects out. While these seasonal swarms may disrupt a picnic or barbeque, they are a natural and temporary part of the summer months. To prevent ants and other pests from entering your home, it's important to seal any cracks or gaps around doors, windows, and pipework using caulk or appropriate sealants. Households are also advised to regularly sweep and clean under kitchen appliances and cabinets to remove any food crumbs or debris that may attract ants and other insects. Use bins with secure, tightly fitting lids to stop ants from accessing food waste and empty them regularly to avoid a build-up. Clean surfaces thoroughly with a strong detergent to eliminate the invisible pheromone trails left by foraging ants, which can otherwise lead more ants straight to a food source in your home. Vinegar spray and other essential oils can also be used as natural deterrents around entry points. If ants do find their way in, don't kill them near food, as this can attract more to follow. Instead vacuum them up and remove them from your house. 2 The warm weather is likely to create the ideal conditions for larger-than-usual swarms this year Credit: Getty
Irish Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Warning issued ahead of annual 'Flying Ant Day' in Ireland
A warning has been issued ahead of 'Flying Ant Day', with Rentokil offering some prevention tips to counteract the increased ant activity over the weeks ahead. 'Flying Ant Day', which is more formally referred to as the nuptial flight, is not actually a single-day event but rather, an extended period of time when winged ants leave their nests to mate mid-air to establish new colonies. Because of the fluctuation between wet and warm weather this summer, it is likely to bring about the perfect conditions for greater swarms. The increase in humidity is also set to help keep ants' wings and bodies moist while flying. "We expect to see high levels of ant activity this summer, particularly during warm and humid spells in July and August," Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager for Rentokil in Ireland, said. "While people often refer to 'Flying Ant Day', it is in reality a series of swarming events that take place over several weeks. These insects may be a nuisance, particularly during outdoor dining or events, but they also play a role in the ecosystem, aerating the soil and serving as food for birds. "However, ant infestations in homes or businesses can escalate quickly. Ants leave pheromone trails when they find a food source, attracting more ants to the area. Prevention is key to avoiding a problem." Rentokil has issued some advice to limit the effects of the 'Flying Ant Day':
Extra.ie
13-07-2025
- Extra.ie
Flying ants invade Ireland as heatwave brings the chaos
Tens of thousands of flying ants are swarming Ireland as the hot weather makes the perfect environment. Although the mating season, known as 'Flying Ant Day', isn't usually until the end of July and early August, thousands of critters have already descended on the nation. While they are unlikely to bite or cause much harm, they can quickly become a nuisance. Thousands of flying ants are swarming Ireland as the hot weather makes the perfect environment. Pic: Getty Images Environmental science expert Aidan O'Hanlon said that we should stay inside when we start to see the ants descending. 'They can seem annoying but ants are ecologically essential. 'They provide aeration in soil through their nesting behaviour and serve as a bonanza food source for birds, spiders, wasps and other insects in the summer when the ants swarm in huge numbers. 'Some ants can sting but most species in Ireland have no functional stinger and are only interested in mating with each other. The ants can become quite clumsy and will land on people but it is nothing to worry about.' As the heatwave kick continues, it provides the perfect humidity for the bugs' mating season. Flying ants are consistently the bane of summer as they always seem to descend on your home or favourite spots at the worst times. Pic: Getty Images Warmer weather also brings with it some danger if you plan on hitting the beach. The man o'war is closely related to jellyfish and can cause a painful sting if contact is made with one of its tentacles – and can even be fatal for some allergy sufferers. The creature used to be a rarity in Irish waters but is becoming more common due to warming waters and south-westerly currents. Beachgoers are asked to be cautious for any that are washed up – they can still sting up to three days later. People making the most of the sunshine at Burrow Beach in Dublin this week. Pic: Leah Farrell/ Dogs Trust has reminded owners to be extra careful with man's best friend – as dogs cannot cool themselves down in the same way as humans. Special care is advised for owners of young puppies, older dogs or those with a bit of extra weight, who are at extra risk of heatstroke. Common signs of heatstroke with our furry friends are uncoordinated movements or collapse, altered or loss of consciousness, loss of vision, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, coma or bleeding. Niamh Curran Kelly, Veterinary and Welfare Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland, said: 'If you think your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, please do not delay in contacting a local vet. It is vital you do this as quickly as you can to give your dog the best chance of making a recovery.' Dogs Trust is warning owners to be extra vigilant with their pets in warmer weather as their risk of heat stroke increases. Pic: Fran Veale 'While driving to the vet, drive with the windows down or air conditioning on – this should help to reduce your dog's core temperature,' said Ms Kelly. Ciara Byrne, Head of Communications, at Dogs Trust, recommended that owners bring dogs on their walk in the morning, before the day's peak temperature. She also recommended taking water if you are bringing your dog out. She added: 'If you'll be walking on tarmac, try the 'five-second test'; if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.' The charity also stressed that you should never leave your dog in the car – even if the windows are open and it's parked in the shade. They warn that the temperature can increase by as much as 11°C in ten minutes – just a few minutes in this heat can be fatal for your dog.
