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The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- 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
The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Hunt for new home for huge woollen Ireland map that took 4yrs to knit – how many iconic Irish landmarks can you spot?
A GIGANTIC wool map of Ireland, which took four years of knitting and crocheting to complete, is in search of a new home to go on public display. A group of up to 18 women in Co 6 The 12 foot by 11 foot wool map of Ireland took four years of knitting and crocheting Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire 6 Mary Blake points to a boat in memory of Margaret Dowse who passed away during the creation of her group's knitted map Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire 6 The Burren in Co Clare features on the creation Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire The women met every Wednesday at Carnew Community Care centre where they came up with ideas of landmarks and historical sites across the island of Ireland that they could sew and knit together. While 18 people started off the project, three of the women died over the years and two others went in to nursing homes. The youngest member of the group is aged 65 while the eldest is soon turning 90. Group member Mary Blake said that after creating a number of other woollen projects, a member of the community centre suggested knitting a map of Ireland. READ MORE IRISH NEWS The 12ft by 11ft woollen map project quickly took off and now features prominent landmarks and sites across the island, including Glendalough, Croagh Patrick, Phoenix Park, Giant's Causeway and Fungie the Dolphin. Ms Blake said: 'We all decided which bits would represent areas of significance and we put it all together like a jigsaw. 'We covered the whole of Ireland in green squares, all different shades of green, before we started doing any of the knitting. 'Then we started with Leinster, and somebody said, I'll do Mount Leinster, and someone else started on Hook Head (lighthouse), and different people did different parts. We worked together on everything, MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN 'Most of it took place in Carnew Community Care, which is a centre for older people. We meet every Wednesday morning and whatever we don't get finished, we bring home the bits to get done. I'm an American tourist and explored two major Irish seaside towns – here's what I got up to 'We started in 2019 and then Covid came and put a stop to that. So we couldn't get wool and we couldn't meet either. We got back together at the end of 2022 but we'd lost a few people in the meantime, during Covid. 'We lost one of our members Margaret so decided to add bits in to represent her life close to the Shannon. 'We couldn't do something to represent every county but we did places like Glendalough, the Japanese Gardens in 'We also have Harland and Wolff, the Titanic ship with parts of it sinking, Theresa's cottage in Donegal, the Ulster Museum, we have loads of animals in it, Giants Causeway, which we made out of Smarties boxes. 'We have lots of fishermen, the Aran Island, windmills, Croagh Patrick, Galway Races and best dressed lady, the Shannon, Sherkin Island, Blarney Castle, and Fungie. PUBLIC DISPLAY PLEA 'Some people sewed, some people crocheted, and some people sewed things together. 'One of our ladies is going be 90 next year and I'd say the youngest person we have is over 65.' She added: 'It gives people a purpose. We also knit blankets for local hospitals. 'We were all really excited to take part in this project and seeing it finished was amazing.' Ms Blake said those involved would like to see it go on public display. She added: 'We don't really mind, whoever wants it is welcome to have it, but we would love to see it in a public place, somewhere that it can be viewed and give everybody an opportunity to see it. We're open to whoever wants to take it. 'I'm so excited to see it finished and would like others to see it too. It would look great in one of the airports.' One of the members, Ann Edwards, said it was a fun experience. She said: 'I have lots of favourites but I think Hook Head and the Viking ship are particularly nice and colourful and great to work on. 'They were difficult to do. I worked on the Vikings. It was interesting and enjoyable. 'We dug into the memory bank and came up with ideas and what things would have looked like.' 6 Fungi the Dolphin from Dingle got a spot on the map Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire 6 Cork's Blarney Castle takes a spot on the knitted map Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire 6 A scene from the Galway Races on the stunning display Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Our windows were sucked out by ‘tornado' that ripped off roof slates & blew stuff from kitchen table
AN IRISHWOMAN has told how her windows were "sucked out" and items were blown right off her kitchen table as a mini-tornado ripped through her home yesterday morning. Rita Smith, 45, was left in shock after what she described as a " 4 Multiple items were damaged after the mini-tornado at Rita's home Credit: Rita Smith 4 Weather chiefs described the weather phenomenon as a 'possible tornado' Credit: Rita Smith 4 The 'tornado' left a trace of damage at the property Credit: Rita Smith Rita said the weather phenomenon only lasted a few seconds but caused scores of damage in some parts of the town. Strong winds were reported in Drogheda yesterday morning, with Alan O'Reilly confirming he had received multiple reports of the possible tornado at around 9:30am. Shock clips of the aftermath of the event showed garden furniture broken and bins, trampolines and debris throw around. Rita, who lives in Bryanstown Manor in Drogheda, told us she had her patio door and front windows open when the wind "all of a sudden" blew through the house. Read more in News She said: "It was the strongest wind I have ever experienced. It was scary. "It was actually quite calm yesterday morning. We live in a duplex so we're quite high up, and all of a sudden this wind came. It was like a circular thing, I can't even describe it. "It was the strangest wind I have ever felt. It was like there was a pressure in it and, and it kind of started to come towards the house from across the way. "It came by the window up by the roof and it starts to take the slates and the top of the roof off the houses. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN "Only lasted probably for less than a minute but was actually really frightening." Watch terrifying moment 'tornado' sweeps across Irish town as debris flies, trees fall and cars get damaged The "tornado" ripped off roof slates, blew things off the kitchen table and pulled the front window off hinges. Rita added: "My mum was actually in the back of the house on the balcony at the time and she thought that the slates on the roof were sheets of paper. "They were flying in the air and they were landing as it was like a twister type effect. "The wind moved down from the back to the front again and down through the duplexes towards the end of the estate. And then the slate landed on the back on the lower balconies. "There were so many things flying. The bins on the side, the gas meter covers were completely blown off. "There was a a big bird that actually got caught up in it. "We have quite a lot of damage. It was the scariest thing. It was probably only like 30 seconds." WINDOWS 'SUCKED OUT' The 45-year-old told us that their management company rushed to the property premises to assess the damage. She continued: The windows on the back of the house must have sucked out. They didn't come off the hinges, but everything inside flew out, was sucked out. "Other parts of town had torrential rain, but we didn't have that at all. We just had this wind. "It seems to have travelled and I think in other areas experienced this almighty as well. It was like a little tornado. It was crazy, crazy. "We're quite exposed at the moment, but hopefully it doesn't happen again." UNSETTLED WEATHER Ireland is not immune to tornadoes, and even if they are sometimes referred to as 'mini-tornadoes', they are still tornadoes. Met Eireann said: "The term 'mini-tornado' came into use to distance these tornadoes from the larger ones recorded in the US and other countries. "However, all tornadoes can be dangerous and on average there are 10 occurrences in Ireland each year." Ireland was basking in boiling heat and sunny weather over the weekend but He explained: "That's feeding in bands of rain and showers. "It's going to be a generally cloudy and wet start today with outbreaks of rain and a few thundery downpours are possible. "Drier and brighter weather though will extend eastwards to many areas today. "But there will be a few showers in the mix as well and parts of the southwest may stay cloudy and rather showery today." Highs of 16C to 20C are expected today in moderate to fresh western breezes. Many parts of the country will be dry tonight with clear spells, but areas of mist and fog are going to develop, especially across Connacht and West Ulster. 4 A 'tornado' left behind damage to a number of homes in Drogheda, Co Louth Credit: Rita Smith
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Knocked me off my feet', say fans as ‘absolutely beautiful' Rosanna Davison shows off incredible figure in bikini snaps
ROSANNA Davison has left fans swooning after showing off her incredible figure in a series of stunning beach snaps. The Irish model has been making the most of the summer sunshine as temperatures soared across the country. 3 Rosanna enjoyed a day out yesterday Credit: Instagram 3 She posed for a few 'beautiful' beach snaps Credit: Instagram Yesterday, The mum-of-three took to The 41-year-old looked stunning as she lay on the beach and posed for the camera. Rosanna wore a striking blue and white bikini, which she paired with oversized white sunglasses. read more on rosanna davison She captioned her post: "Ireland, is that really you? What a day." Fans and friends flocked to the comment section to share their love. Lee said: "Wow just knocked me off my feet." Billy wrote: "Rosanna you are absolutely beautiful." MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN Another added: "Beautiful woman." The mum-of-three also enjoyed a sunny day out Rosanna Davison shares 'beautiful' snaps from sun-soaked family holiday The mum-of-three took to Instagram afterwards to post some beautiful snaps she captured during the outing. In the first snap, Rosanna looked stunning as she stripped down into a black bikini and posed in front of the water with her son. She also shared a sweet photo of herself and her three children walking towards the water together. The 41-year-old donned a flowing white summer dress, which she styled with a wide brimmed hat and matching sandals. She then posted another heartwarming photo of her and the kids enjoying the boat trip over to the island. FAM FUN Lastly, Rosanna shared a series of clips capturing the breathtaking coastal views around the island. She captioned her post: "Summer daze." Fans and friends flocked to the comment section to share their love for her post. Stella said: "Dalkey Island is the best place on earth, on a day like today Rosanna." Anne wrote: "Enjoy it looks fabulous there." Wendy commented: "Love Dalkey Island - and the boat trip over makes it a proper adventure!" Grace gushed: "So beautiful." Another added: "Fabulous." 3 Rosanna has been making the most of the summer sunshine Credit: Instagram
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Ryan Tubridy shares first snaps with fiancée after engagement announcement as couple enjoy glam day out at Wimbledon
RYAN Tubridy has shared the first snaps with his fiancée since announcing their engagement as the pair stepped out in style at Wimbledon. The Q102 host to his girlfriend, Dr Claire Kambamettu, during a romantic trip to the west of Ireland last month. Advertisement 3 Ryan proposed to his girlfriend Dr Claire Kambamettu last month Credit: Handout image 3 The radio host enjoyed a day at Wimbledon with Claire Credit: Instagram 3 Fans gushed over his sweet post The couple privately in 2023, making their first public appearance together when Claire joined the broadcaster at the Irish Post Awards in . Now, two and a half years on, the lovebirds are set to tie the knot and they couldn't be happier. This week, the happy couple attended Ryan later took to Advertisement READ MORE ON RYAN TUBRIDY They were all smiles as they posed for the loved-up snaps with Claire's sparkling engagement ring on show. Ryan looked dapper in a navy blazer, with a blue shirt and cream chinos. The host tied his look together with a vibrant striped tie and a pair of cool black sunglasses. Claire looked fabulous as she donned a green button-up midi dress that featured short puffed sleeves and a brown belt at the waist. Advertisement MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN Breaking She completed her chic look with a pair of white sandals, a matching shoulder bag, oversized sunglasses and gold jewellery. Ryan captioned his post: "What a wonderful week. Not there today but Wimbledon was a blast." Donncha O'Callaghan has Ryan Tubridy in stitches Fans and friends flocked to the comment section to share their love for his post. Lavinia said: "The most gorgeous couple." Advertisement Emma wrote: "Love this." Deirdre gushed: "Great to see you so happy. Lovely couple." 'CHEF'S KISS' Maria commented: "You both just look so happy." Another added: "Aw, you both look so happy. Delighted for you both. The ring is 'chef's kiss'." Advertisement This comes after the former RTE star live on air. Speaking about their engagement on his "It's a very exciting time to be alive." He added: "It's just the accumulation of a lot of lovely things happening, and I just decided now is the time. Advertisement "More to follow in terms of details and all the rest of it, and by the more to follow, I mean I'll tell my family first."
