Latest news with #FlyingAntDay
Scottish Sun
18 hours ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Scots households warned to ‘keep windows firmly shut' this week – here's why
Plus, five tips on how you can keep flying ants out of your home PESKY CRITTERS Scots households warned to 'keep windows firmly shut' this week – here's why Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTS are being warned to close windows as we face "flying ant week" - when swarms of airborne insects invade our homes. Dr Nathaniel Green, an insect behavioural specialist, told folk to prepare for the annual onslaught. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Flying Ant Day is when flying ants swarm for mating Credit: Getty 2 It typically occurs in mid-to-late July and early August Credit: Getty It comes as weather conditions are "lining up perfectly" for the winged beasties. He said: "Warm temperatures, high humidity and still air create the ideal launchpad for millions of winged queens and males to take flight. "When the weather hits that sweet spot, it's like a signal for ants everywhere to take to the air at once." Dr Green added: "Afternoons will be the main time to watch out or keep your windows firmly shut." His comments came in response to a new report by wallpaper, name label and sticker firm The new report warned filthy windows were "a magnet" for the aerial critters. It said: "Flying ants aren't dangerous, but they're not exactly welcome guests when they drift inside, and dirty windows could be inviting them in." Dr Green added: "Smears and dust on glass can reflect light in a way that draws insects closer. "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." From worm bread to mealworm kebabs... could eating bugs and insects in everyday food be the future? The expert said flying ant week was just that, and only lasted "a few days". He added: "Males die soon after mating and fertilised queens land to start new colonies. "However, those few days can be enough to leave your kitchen or lounge buzzing with unwanted visitors." The report added: "The advice is simple - give your windows a proper clean, keep them closed during peak swarm hours and brace for a few days in mid-August when the UK could be under insect invasion. "With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy the summer warmth without sharing it with hundreds of winged intruders."
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mirror
Flying ants swarm UK as Brits urged to do one thing to protect their homes
Insect expert Dr Nathaniel Green is urging Brits to do one simply thing to keep flying ants from invading their home during the annual phenomenon known as Flying Ant Week An insect expert says mid-August could see UK skies filled with flying ants. A peculiar annual phenomenon known as Flying Ant Week has now kicked-off and there's one thing every household should do in preparation. According to Dr Nathaniel Green who has studied insect behaviour for over two decades, the conditions are "lining up perfectly" for a concentrated burst of flying ants. In 2025, he predicts the peak will be between today (August 13) and August 18. It is the combination of warm temperatures, high humidity and still air that create optimal conditions for millions of ants to take flight. It comes after a heatwave forecast with maps reveals 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," Dr Green said. Swarms will be particularly active in the afternoons and so he urges Brits to keep their windows "firmly shut". Dr Green explains that dirty windows could be an open invitation to these flying pests. "Smears and dust on glass can reflect light in a way that draws insects closer. Add in pollen or organic residue and you've basically got an insect buffet," he says. So in addition to keeping your windows closed during peak hours, keeping them clean will make your home "far less attractive" to flying ants. It should be noted though that, while they may be unwanted guests, these insects are not dangerous. The other good news? Flying ant swarms do not last very long. "The flying phase only lasts a few days," Dr Green said. "Males die soon after mating, and fertilised queens land to start new colonies." If you aren't swift enough to keep your windows shut in time to avoid intrusion, it's easy enough to rid your home of ants. One natural remedy in particular works like a charm. As previously reported by Country Living, a good way to deter flying ants from swarming your food is to mix up a homemade peppermint spray. You can create the spray by adding a few droplets of peppermint oil to a spray bottle and mix well with water or dish soap. Although referred to as "Flying Ant Week", this event actually takes place over approximately 45 days, peaking on two or three days. Shedding light on this phenomenon, Paul Blackhurst, technical academy head at Rentokil Pest Control, said: "Experts warn that this year could see larger-than-usual swarms of flying ants, as we approach Flying Ant Day, also known as the nuptial flight, and sometimes nicknamed 'flant day'. "This natural event, when vast numbers of winged ants, known as alates, take to the skies at once in search of mates from other colonies, could be one of the most prolific for years. "The alternating wet and warm weather we have been experiencing recently is creating the perfect conditions for larger-than-usual swarms, as humidity is important in keeping the ants' wings and bodies moist during flight and 'mating on the wing'."
Daily Mirror
12-08-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Brits warned to 'remove scent' from home as 'swarm of insects' sweep UK
The annual 'flying ant day' phenomenon is set to return to Britain and Ireland as warmer weather persists, with UK households told to remove the scent in their homes UK households are being advised to "remove the scent" from their homes as swarms of flying ants are set to invade during the warmer weather. The annual ' flying ant day ' is making its return to Britain and Ireland. Healthline advises: "Ants leave a scented pheromone trail behind when they walk. This acts as a map of food sources. Using glass cleaner may help remove the scent and deter the ants from re-entering your home. Mix glass cleaning spray with liquid detergent like dish soap into a clean spray bottle. Spray the mixture on areas where ants seem to enter from or congregate around." The event sees winged black garden ants, Lasius niger, take to the skies for their 'nuptial flight', which is part of their mating process. Healthline further suggests: "After spraying, wipe down the area leaving a light residue. Repeat the above steps as often as needed." 'I clean five-star hotels for a living – real secret to sparkling floors is 20p' The phenomenon usually happens in July or August when conditions are hot and humid with little wind, ideally around 25C, reports Birmingham Live. Good Housekeeping recommends: "Flying ants respond strongly to scent‐based disruption. So natural ingredients such as essential oils can be an excellent repellent. Mix water, a splash of dish soap and 5–10 drops of peppermint, rosemary or citronella essential oil. "Spray around windows, doors, lights and damp areas to deter them." Meanwhile, the NHS reassures that ant bites are "generally harmless, although you'll probably feel a nip". Recently, there's been a spike in internet searches for Flying Ant Day, hinting that UK households are observing more of these insects around. A spokesperson from the RSB informed BBC News: "One of the primary findings from the survey was that there is certainly not one flying ant day; the frequency in which the flying ants appear changes every year and is dependent on weather." They added: "One garden may see flying ants one day, with neighbours seeing them weeks or even months later." With temperatures rising in the upcoming week, reaching as high as 31°C, it's crucial to keep our living spaces as clean and organised as possible. By doing so, it will stop unwanted guests from taking over and potentially hurting you. It might take some extra time from your schedules, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Tom's Guide
23-07-2025
- General
- Tom's Guide
Pest expert says you should use cinnamon in your home to deter flying ants — here's why
Summer is here, and while we're out enjoying the weather, so are seasonal bugs. From mosquitoes in your yard to fruit flies buzzing around your sweet snacks, it can be challenging to keep pesky bugs away this season. And with Flying Ant Day on the way (between July 22-25), these could sneak into your home, causing havoc. Not only do these winged pests hide in dark, damp areas (inside decaying wood and cracks), but they can quickly multiply, resulting in an unexpected and costly infestation. That's why it's so important to know how to safely get rid of flying ants, without the hassle. Luckily, an expert has revealed a rather unusual way of dealing with ants in your home. In fact, this hack involves a fragrant spice mainly used in baking that we all love — that ants will hate. What's more, this is non-toxic, affordable, and will create a warm, festive aroma. So why is cinnamon so good at repelling ants? Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. It seems like cinnamon can do so much more than just spice up your cakes and bakes. Rather than using harmful repellents to get rid of ants, cinnamon can be used to keep these unwanted bugs away simply by its strong, 'offensive' scent. "Sprinkling a bit of powdered cinnamon, or even placing a cinnamon stick, near where ants are getting in can be a humane and effective way to deter them,' advises Paul Hambidge, Managing Director at Factory Direct Flooring. 'That's because the strong scent can disrupt ants' ability to communicate with each other and find food, without killing them." You can try adding ground cinnamon to a small breathable sachet or cotton pouch (similar to what you might use for a wardrobe freshener) and leave it near ants' entry points in your home. That way, you get the scent benefit without having loose powder to clean up.' Ground cinnamon is a perfect warm spice to add to many bakes, but it can also be used in the garden to ward off pests, propagate cuttings and as a natural fungicide. This 18oz container can be used to make cinnamon buns, with plenty spare to help protect the plants in your yard. And if you saw a viral hack about mopping floors with ground cinnamon to get rid of ants, don't even think about it. According to experts, this could do more harm than good. 'I wouldn't necessarily recommend mopping your floors with ground cinnamon and water, especially if you have light or porous floors,' adds Hambidge. 'That's because the water can release the rusty brown pigment from the powder and leave nasty stains. The same goes for sprinkling powder on light carpets. If you're specifically looking for an ant-deterring floor cleaner, diluting cinnamon oil in water is a better approach for avoiding stains compared to ground cinnamon, but only if you don't have pets. While very small amounts of cinnamon are generally not toxic to dogs and cats, prolonged exposure to cinnamon, or the essential oil version, can be. If you prefer non-toxic, pest repellents, you can also opt for a vinegar and water solution to deter ants. 'Mopping with vinegar and water can have a similar effect on ants because of its strong smell. It's also considered a dog-safe DIY cleaning solution by the American Kennel Club, which makes it a better option than cinnamon if you have pets. Another great thing about vinegar is it's already a tried-and-tested floor cleaning method, making it a true multitasking hero when it comes to tackling ants and dirty floors (in fact, our swab results show that mopping with vinegar and water cuts bacteria on floors by 71% on average." In fact, there are so many clever ways cinnamon can be put to good use in the yard. From being a plant fertilizer to a natural fungicide, this spice can do well to protect your plants from all sorts of pests. So if you have this spice in your kitchen, try out the powers of cinnamon.
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Climate
- 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
