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UK households told to keep windows and doors shut as bug invades nation
UK households told to keep windows and doors shut as bug invades nation

Daily Mirror

time07-07-2025

  • General
  • Daily Mirror

UK households told to keep windows and doors shut as bug invades nation

The UK is set to be hit by an influx of flying ants this month in a phenomenon which is good for nature but potentially annoying for households UK households are being urged to batten down the hatches as swarms of insects take to the skies. Named Flying Ant Day, it's a natural phenomenon where millions of winged ants emerge from their nests for a mating frenzy. But how should Britons brace themselves? ‌ In advice from The Guardian, experts advised: "Best to keep your doors, windows and mouth shut during the peak." ‌ While it may seem counterintuitive to just put up with the influx, the experts emphasised that the flying ants are "an important food source" for birds, while their tunnelling habits also help improve soil quality. They further explained that the swarm is actually part of the ants' reproductive strategy. According to the experts, the swarming improves their chances of survival by overwhelming predators. Best Ants UK has forecasted that "Flying Ant Day in 2025 is predicted to occur earlier than usual, with peak activity anticipated around 22 and 25 of July," reports Birmingham Live. To avoid an insect invasion, residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed. For those seeking a breath of fresh air without the company of ants, installing a fly screen can offer a solution, allowing breezes in but keeping pests out. ‌ Additionally, using a potent detergent to wipe out pheromone trails left by scout ants can prevent others from following the path to potential food sources within your home. Paul Blackhurst, Technical Academy Head at Rentokil Pest Control's Technical Academy, has sounded the alarm about potential bumper swarms of flying ants set to invade British skies as the notorious Flying Ant Day draws near. He highlighted the natural spectacle where myriads of winged ants emerge for a mating frenzy, saying: "Experts warn that this year could see larger-than-usual swarms of flying ants as we approach Flying Ant Day." ‌ Blackhurst added: "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 pest control expert outlined how current climatic conditions foster perfect swarm settings, given the alternating wet and warm weather we have been experiencing recently. He explained that this because humidity is key in keeping the ants' wings and bodies moist while flying and "mating on the wing." He warns of the sheer scale of these insect throngs: "Ideal weather conditions can trigger the appearance of tens of millions of them taking to the skies in massive swarms over several weeks across Britain."

UK households warned 'keep windows and doors shut' as bugs swam
UK households warned 'keep windows and doors shut' as bugs swam

Daily Mirror

time02-07-2025

  • Science
  • Daily Mirror

UK households warned 'keep windows and doors shut' as bugs swam

The flying ant invasion this year will come sooner than usual, with the peak expected between July 22 and 25. Brits are advised to shut their doors and windows to keep unwanted insects out Homeowners are advised to close all openings as the UK is hit by swarms of flying ants, which have been reported in their millions. According to experts, residents should keep their windows and doors shut during peak hours to prevent an infestation. They said: "What should I do? Best to keep your doors, windows and mouth shut during the peak. You mean just put up with it? Yes – black garden ants are an important food source for birds and a friend to the butterfly, while their tunnelling is vital for improving soil quality." ‌ They added to the Guardian: "Have they considered spreading their mating period over a more leisurely timescale? The swarming is supposed to improve their chances of survival by overwhelming predators. ‌ "And overwhelming picnics in the process. They're not doing it to inconvenience you." Experts at Best Ants UK warn that the flying ant invasion this year will come sooner than usual, with the peak expected between July 22 and 25, reports Birmingham Live. Brits are advised to shut their doors and windows to keep unwanted insects out, and consider installing fly screens to allow in fresh air. You can also use a strong detergent to remove any pheromone trails that ants have laid down to mark out food sources for their colonies. Paul Blackhurst, technical academy head at Rentokil's Technical Academy, has issued a warning that Britain could be hit by bumper swarms of flying ants this year. He explained: "Experts warn that this year could see larger-than-usual swarms of flying ants as we approach Flying Ant 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'. "Ideal weather conditions can trigger the appearance of tens of millions of them taking to the skies in massive swarms over several weeks across Britain."

Flying Ant Day is coming, and experts warn it could be the worst one yet
Flying Ant Day is coming, and experts warn it could be the worst one yet

Metro

time29-06-2025

  • Climate
  • Metro

Flying Ant Day is coming, and experts warn it could be the worst one yet

In your eyes, mouth and even swarming the ground – there comes a point every year when it feels like flying ants are everywhere. And this summer, experts believe it is going to be worse than ever. Dubbed Flying Ant Day, it is an annual event when millions of winged male and female ants fly out of their colonies to mate in the air. The flights actually takes place across the country over a number of weeks in July and August, but this year's rollercoaster weather has created ideal conditions for particularly hefty swarms. According to Best Ants UK: 'Flying Ant Day in 2025 is predicted to occur earlier than usual, with peak activity anticipated around 22 and 25 of July.' People living in cities need to be on watch sooner, as urban areas are typically warmer so trigger early mating activities. Block entry points into your home 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 pet, clear away any food that isn't eaten straight away Make sure all rubbish bins have tightly sealed lids Keeping windows and doors shut is one of the most effective methods of preventing flying insects from entering your home Installing a fly screen will prevent flying ants from entering your home, whilst still leaving windows and doors open Use a strong detergent to remove any pheromone trails foraging ants have laid down to direct other ants to a food source Pest control company Rentokil say the this summer's conditions, in particular the high humidity, more suited for swarming. More Trending 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. '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'. 'Ideal weather conditions can trigger the appearance of tens of millions of them taking to the skies in massive swarms over several weeks across Britain.' While swarms of flying insects may infuriate picnic-goers, the yearly mating season is crucial for the UK's ecosystem. The reason ants fly in the first place is so a queen can leave her colony behind and start up a new one. She then chews off her wings and tunnels into the earth to create a new colony with thousands of babies on the way. This tunnelling activity is crucial in improving soil quality. The large swarms are also important feeding opportunities for many species of birds. Two ant species, the black garden ant and the related cornfield ant, are also vital for the survival of the silver-studded blue butterfly. They have a mutually beneficial relationship: the ants tend to the catepillars, and in return they feed on caterpillar sectretions. Blackhurst added: 'Though it may seem like a summertime nuisance, this swarming strategy is believed to help more ants survive by overwhelming their predators including swifts and gulls. 'After mating mid-air, the male ants which are smaller will quickly fall to the ground and die. The newly fertilized female queens shed their wings and burrow into the soil to nest and start new colonies. 'While flying ants might disrupt your picnic, barbecue, or pub garden pint, they play a vital role in the ecosystem by aerating soil, recycling nutrients, and serving as a key food source for birds.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: How does this year's summer heatwave compare to the sizzler in 1976? MORE: Is it safe to travel to Spain during the heatwave? Latest advice as Seville hits 41C MORE: 13 cheap and practical ways to keep your home cool during a heatwave

Rare-ant smugglers sentenced in African state
Rare-ant smugglers sentenced in African state

Russia Today

time10-05-2025

  • Russia Today

Rare-ant smugglers sentenced in African state

A Kenyan court has sentenced four individuals to one year in prison or a fine of $7,700 each for attempting to illegally export thousands of live ants, including a rare species, the BBC reported on Wednesday. The convicted individuals, two Belgian nationals, one Vietnamese, and a Kenyan, were apprehended last month in Naivasha, a town in western Kenya, where they were found in possession of approximately 5,000 queen ants. Among the species collected was Messor cephalotes, a rare variety also referred to as the Giant African Harvester Ant. During the court proceedings, the accused pleaded guilty and claimed they were unaware that collecting the ants for hobbyist purposes was a criminal offense. However, the presiding judge noted in Wednesday's ruling that the quantity and type of ants involved indicated a deliberate effort to exploit valuable wildlife, adding that the offenders were not simply in possession of a few specimens. According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the seized ants were reportedly intended for exotic pet markets in Europe and Asia. The smuggled ants, according to dealers in the UK, can be worth as much as £170 ($220) apiece. Commenting on the insects' popularity, Pat Stanchev, the general manager of the insect-trading website Best Ants UK, told the BBC that their appeal lies in their distinctive and beautiful appearance. KWS revealed that the suspects had prepared test tubes capable of sustaining the ants for up to two months, specifically to bypass airport screening procedures. The organization described the operation as 'premeditated' and called it a landmark in trafficking trends that shift from traditional poaching of large mammals toward lesser-known species. One of the Belgian nationals, David Lornoy, told Reuters that the group had not intended to violate any laws. 'We did not come here to break any laws. By accident and stupidity we did,' he said, appealing for leniency. Messor cephalotes is a monogynous ant species, with colonies numbering up to 5,000 workers. They primarily consume seeds, which they gather and store, playing a crucial role in seed dispersal and soil aeration. Queens of the species can reach sizes of 22 to 25 millimeters.

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