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The Irish Sun
2 days 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
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Climate
- 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':
The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
‘Act now' – Major warning for Irish households over huge rise in seasonal pests that pose serious ‘health risks'
IRISH households are being warned about a huge rise in seasonal pests that can come with serious health risks. As temperatures rise, Rentokil has predicted an increase in fly activity this summer. Advertisement 3 Just two flies can lay up to 500 eggs that can hatch within 7 days Credit: Getty Images - Getty 3 Rentokil has listed their top ways of preventing a fly infestation Credit: Getty Images - Getty Warm, humid conditions create an ideal breeding ground for flies resulting in a spike of activity at this time of year. Flies can pose much more than just a nuisance, they can spread deadly A Rentokil study found that a single fly infestation can lead to staff illnesses, costing businesses over nine working days per year. As these diseases can infect everyday food surfaces and equipment, Advertisement READ MORE IN HEALTH It is advised to act quickly to avoid infestations in your home. Rentokil's is a sustainable, non-toxic solution designed for outdoor use and constructed from recycled plastic The Irish company describes the product as the leading way to prevent flies this summer. You can use this trap for more than just house flies to keep you and everyone else safe from bacteria. Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive As the trap utilises the 'contrast effect' and uses a sweet-scented liquid food lure to help capture common fly species, such as blow flies and fruit flies before they enter buildings. They assure their trap is ideal for various outdoor business spaces such as hospitality venues, hotels, pubs, gardens, terraces, and external waste areas. And it doesn't require electricity as the unit can be wall mounted, hung or placed on a flat surface. HOW TO PREVENT INFESTATIONS IRELAND'S leading pest controllers, Rentokil, have recommended the best ways to prevent fly infestations: Seal entry points of windows, vents, doors and pipes Always dispose of food waste Use screens over kitchen windows and doors Regularly clean your drains and pipes Use the EcoCatch fly trap from Rentokill Regional Technical Manager at Rentokil, Colm Moore said: 'Flies thrive in warm weather, and we consistently see higher activity during the late spring and summer months. Advertisement "Identifying potential problem areas and acting early can significantly reduce the risk of an infestation." According to Rentokill, just two flies can produce up to 500 eggs. These can then hatch in as little as seven days, so it's vital to control your pest problem quickly. Flies can pose significant health risks and cause economic harm to businesses, especially in food environments. Advertisement So addressing these areas and implementing effective pest control measures can help mitigate the risks associated with Meanwhile, this 85c food item will banish flies and you probably already Pest control experts have said that one of the best ways to deter flies is with a cucumber. This unlikely helpful vegetable can be bought for just 85c at Aldi or in almost any store around the country. Advertisement And chances are you might already have one in your fridge, meaning you won't have to spend a penny. 3 Binning all food waste from the premises will help to keep flies away Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Irish Independent
26-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Public warned over seasonal rise in fly infestations that pose health risk
Warm, humid conditions create ideal breeding grounds for flies, often resulting in a spike in infestations during this time of year. Rentokil has said flies are 'more than just a nuisance' and can pose a health risk as they can spread bacteria like E. coli and Campylobacter. These bacteria can contaminate food, surfaces and equipment. Early intervention is important to avoid infestations and related health hazards, the company said. Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager at Rentokil, said flies thrive in warm weather during the late spring and summer months. "Identifying potential problem areas and acting early can significantly reduce the risk of an infestation,' he said. To prevent fly infestations, Rentokil recommend sealing entry points such as windows, vents, doors, and pipes. Homeowners and business owners are also being advised to dispose of food waste and to keep compost bins covered. Screening kitchen windows and doors and cleaning drains and waste areas regularly are also seen as two vital preventative measures. Just two flies can produce up to 500 eggs, which can hatch in as little as seven days, so it's vital to tackle this pest problem quickly. Addressing these areas and implementing effective pest control measures can help mitigate the risks associated with fly infestations. Rentokil's EcoCatch Fly Trap, is a sustainable, non-toxic solution designed for outdoor use and constructed from recycled plastic. The company said the trap utilises the 'contrast effect' and uses sweet-scented liquid food lure to help capture common fly species, such as house flies, blow flies, and fruit flies before they enter homes or commercial premises. It added that it is ideal for various outdoor business spaces such as hospitality venues, hotels, pubs, gardens, terraces, and external waste areas. This is because it does not require electricity and the unit can be wall mounted, hung or placed on a flat surface. "We recommend a proactive approach, particularly for commercial premises handling food,' Mr Moore added. 'Our EcoCatch Fly Trap offers an effective and sustainable external solution to help keep fly numbers under control by allowing species identification, facilitating root cause analysis during the peak season.'
Irish Independent
30-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘Sharp' increase in rat and mouse activity in Ireland, new figures show
Pest control provider Rentokil reported a rise in pests' activity nationwide between January and March of 2025, compared to the same period last year. There was a 45pc increase in rat-related activity, with mouse-related activity rising by 39pc nationally during this period. Meanwhile, the regional data has shown significant variations across the country. The most substantial rise was recorded in Cork, with a 107pc increase in rat activity and a 93pc rise in mouse activity. It is followed by the Limerick region, where the rat activity was up by 16pc and mouse activity rose by 47pc. The border, midlands, west and northwest region, including Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo, saw a 12pc increase in rat activity and a 43pc rise in mouse activity. Rats remain the most common pests affecting Irish properties, which can cause serious structural damage by chewing through utility lines, electrical wiring and insulation. Mice, while smaller, pose similar risks and can often go unnoticed until infestations are well-established. Common signs of rat or mouse activity include droppings, scratching noises in walls or ceilings, footprints and gnaw marks. The company said businesses should also be alert to the reputational damage and health risks associated with infestations, including the spread of disease through contact with rodent droppings or urine. Regional technical manager for Rentokil, Colm Moore, said: "The significant increases we're seeing in both rat and mouse activity highlight the need for vigilance.' "We're urging home and business owners to act early by identifying the signs of pest presence and securing their properties,' he added.
