Latest news with #NathanielGreen
Daily Mirror
3 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
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Brits facing UK invasion of 'murder wasps' as call-outs for help soar by 600%
Wasps are swarming in larger and more aggressive numbers than ever, with Brits warned to keep their windows shut for the rest of August if they want to keep away the pesky pests Swarms of aggressive "murder wasps" are set to cause havoc in the UK for the next few weeks, as Brits have been warned to stay indoors by keeping their windows closed to prevent the dangerous insects from entering. Set to arrive in their thousands today, the aggressive little bugs are set to be everywhere until the end of the month, with pest control companies already seeing a large increase in call-outs to the swarms. According to UK pest control data, in June, j obs relating to wasps increased by more than six times compared to the same time the year before and those numbers are only set to get worse in August after a warm and wet weather earlier in the year created the perfect conditions for their population to explode. It comes after an exciting heatwave forecast with maps revealing the exact date a 39C heat plume will scorch the UK. Dr Nathaniel Green, an insect behaviour specialist, said: 'We're seeing nests far larger than normal, which means more wasps and more aggression. Keep your windows shut; otherwise, you're giving them an open invitation into your home. "Wasps don't just sting once and fly away. If they feel threatened, they can sting repeatedly, and that venom can be deadly for someone with an allergy. In a swarm, the danger multiplies." While sitting in a beer garden, many people may have already noticed how this year's bugs seem to be particularly aggressive and bigger than ever in size. The so-called "murder wasps" are known to repeatedly sting people, which can not only be particularly painful but also be fatal for those who have severe allergies. Mid-afternoon is peak time for wasps, so as the evening draws on, you should become safer and safer. But during that dangerous time, there are a few things you can do to help deter the unwanted pests. Cleaning your windows can be a good start, and keeping them shut through the peak time is also a good option. Dr Green added: 'Smears, pollen, dust, these are like signposts for insects. To a wasp, a grimy window can signal a safe, undisturbed place to build a nest. If your windows are filthy, you're telling them: 'Nobody's home, set up camp here'." While crystal clear windows can help, there are a few cheap and easy methods that can keep the pests away that don't involve any harsh chemical repellents. The experts at Bee Aware Allergy have shared that the secret may actually lie with the humble cucumber. They said: 'Believe it or not, cucumber can help ward off unwanted stinging pests! All you need to do is slice a fresh cucumber and place it on aluminium foil." The two things create a chemical reaction that humans can't get a whiff of, but pests hate, and when put on your windowsill, will leave wasps staying clear.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
UK households told 'shut windows' immediately with 'insect buffet' invading
A surge of flying ants is on its way and households in the UK have been told to keep their windows closed if they don't want to be invaded by the insects UK households have been warned to keep their windows closed until mid-August due to an impending surge of flying ants. According to insect expert Dr Nathaniel Green, the skies could be swarming with these insects across the country by mid-August. Dr Green, who has over two decades of experience studying insect behaviour, believes that conditions are "lining up perfectly" for a concentrated burst of the annual phenomenon known as Flying Ant Week. He predicts that this year's activity will peak between August 13 and August 18, 2025, when warm temperatures, high humidity and calm air create the ideal conditions for millions of winged queens and males to take flight. It comes after an exciting heatwave forecast with maps revealing 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," said Dr Green. "Afternoons will be the main time to watch out - or keep your windows firmly shut." While flying ants aren't dangerous, they're not exactly welcome guests when they drift indoors - and dirty windows could be inviting them in, reports Leeds Live. "Smears and dust on glass can reflect light in a way that draws insects closer," explained Dr Green. "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." Therefore, he's recommending that everyone cleans their windows immediately and keeps them shut during peak times in mid-August. The specialists at Quote My Wall, celebrated for their window sticker installations, have gathered extensive expertise on window-cleaning methods, as spotless glass is essential before any sticker fitting. They suggest: "Choose the right cleaner – A mix of equal parts white vinegar and water, or a quality glass cleaner, will break down grime and leave nothing for insects to feast on. Swap paper towels for microfibre cloths – They trap dust better, stop streaks, and give you a truly clean surface." "Pick your moment – Clean on an overcast day. Direct sun dries the solution too fast and leaves marks. The flying phase only lasts a few days," Dr. Green said. "Males die soon after mating, and fertilised queens land to start new colonies."
