Latest news with #PaulBlackhurst
The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
B&M's £1 pantry staple will banish flying ants from home – as ‘tens of millions' of insects to swarm UK in just DAYS
THE B&M pantry staple that will keep pests out of your home, as experts warn this year's Flying Ant Day could be one of the biggest in recent years. This handy hack offers a low-cost, toxin free way of keeping the pesky Advertisement 2 The current weather makes for perfect conditions for flying ants Credit: Getty 2 A warning has been issued as "tens of millions" are set to swarm Credit: Getty Ground pepper can be used to deter ants from your home and is available for £1 at B&M. A study from Vanderbilt University says that ants have 400 smell receptors which allow them not only to smell their immediate surroundings, but also play a role in their communication and navigation. That is why putting down strong scents like pepper can help to deter them, as it will overload their receptors. Cheap trick to keep your home pest free There are a couple of different ways that you can use the pepper deterrent. Advertisement Fabulous The easiest is to simply sprinkle it in areas where you typically see ants in your home. However, you can also use it to mix up a makeshift bug spray, offering a cheaper alternative to forking out on insect repellent. By mixing one measure of pepper to ten measures of water you will create a spray which can then be used throughout your home. A Texas A&M University showed that water with pepper is more likely to kill Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Where to spray the ingredient in your home However, be careful not to spray it near where your pets might be, as it could cause irritation to their respiratory system or cause an upset stomach. Pest control experts are anti a significant surge in flying ant activity this year, as a result of the ideal combination of altering wet and warm weather. 'Killer' ants invading US as carnivorous insects attack humans with needle-like bite – and number will spike in weeks Biggest flying ant day in recent memory This summer's particularly high humidity is perfect for swarming. Experts have suggested that year's Flying Ant Day - the annual mating flight where millions fill the skies in synchronised displays - could be one of the biggest in recent years. Advertisement Paul Blackhurst, Head of the Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control, told He 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." Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass.
Scottish Sun
13 hours ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
B&M's £1 pantry staple will banish flying ants from home – as ‘tens of millions' of insects to swarm UK in just DAYS
Experts warn annual Flying Ant Day could be biggest in recent years BUG OFF B&M's £1 pantry staple will banish flying ants from home – as 'tens of millions' of insects to swarm UK in just DAYS Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE B&M pantry staple that will keep pests out of your home, as experts warn this year's Flying Ant Day could be one of the biggest in recent years. This handy hack offers a low-cost, toxin free way of keeping the pesky insects away ahead of pest control experts' warnings. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The current weather makes for perfect conditions for flying ants Credit: Getty 2 A warning has been issued as "tens of millions" are set to swarm Credit: Getty Ground pepper can be used to deter ants from your home and is available for £1 at B&M. A study from Vanderbilt University says that ants have 400 smell receptors which allow them not only to smell their immediate surroundings, but also play a role in their communication and navigation. That is why putting down strong scents like pepper can help to deter them, as it will overload their receptors. Cheap trick to keep your home pest free There are a couple of different ways that you can use the pepper deterrent. The easiest is to simply sprinkle it in areas where you typically see ants in your home. However, you can also use it to mix up a makeshift bug spray, offering a cheaper alternative to forking out on insect repellent. By mixing one measure of pepper to ten measures of water you will create a spray which can then be used throughout your home. A Texas A&M University showed that water with pepper is more likely to kill ants than water alone. Where to spray the ingredient in your home However, be careful not to spray it near where your pets might be, as it could cause irritation to their respiratory system or cause an upset stomach. Pest control experts are anti a significant surge in flying ant activity this year, as a result of the ideal combination of altering wet and warm weather. 'Killer' ants invading US as carnivorous insects attack humans with needle-like bite – and number will spike in weeks Biggest flying ant day in recent memory This summer's particularly high humidity is perfect for swarming. Experts have suggested that year's Flying Ant Day - the annual mating flight where millions fill the skies in synchronised displays - could be one of the biggest in recent years. Paul Blackhurst, Head of the Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control, told Manchester Evening News: 'While flying ants may disrupt your picnic, barbeque, or pub garden pint, they play a vital role in the ecosystem.' He 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."
Daily Mirror
19 hours ago
- Science
- Daily Mirror
Biggest flying ant day in recent memory is just days away, experts warn
Swarms will be made up of tens of millions of ants thanks to recent weather conditions Flying ant day is just days away and experts say this year's swarms will be big - possibly the biggest in recent memory. Experts are warning of a major increase in flying ant swarms triggered by the recent alternating wet and hot weather, and say this year's Flying Ant Day - the annual nuptial flight when millions of winged ants swarm the skies - could be one of the biggest in recent memory. According to bestantsuk: "Flying Ant Day in 2025 is predicted to occur earlier than usual, with peak activity anticipated around 22 and 25 of July." They said the first huge swarms could appear in the UK's large cities in June, thanks to the warming effect of big buildings and populations. They added: "Urban areas experience earlier flying ant emergencies due to the heat island effect. Cities maintain higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas, creating conditions that trigger premature ant colony activities, particularly in places like London." Rentokil says this summer's conditions - especially high humidity - are ideal for swarming. Flying Ant Day actually takes place over a number of days - around 45 - and peaks on two or three days when the conditions are perfect and swarms are huge. 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'. "Despite the name, Flying Ant Day doesn't happen on a single fixed day each year. These swarming events can occur at different times across the country, depending on the weather, and in particular, temperature, humidity and wind. "While you might see a few flying ants on most warm summer days, 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. On radar, these dense clouds of insects can even resemble rain. "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." Ant prevention tips for your home from the pest experts at Rentokil: 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.
North Wales Live
20 hours ago
- Climate
- North Wales Live
Flying Ant Day 2025 set to be one of the biggest in years, say experts
Pest experts are warning of a significant increase in flying ant activity, triggered by the perfect mix of alternating wet and warm weather. They predict this year's Flying Ant Day - the annual nuptial flight when millions of winged ants swarm the skies in synchronised displays - could be one of the most substantial in recent memory. Rentokil has stated that this summer's fluctuating conditions - particularly high humidity - are ideal for swarming. A spokesperson said: "In past years, radar systems have even mistaken these dense clouds of ants for rain." Paul Blackhurst, Head of the Technical Academy 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'. "Despite the name, Flying Ant Day doesn't happen on a single fixed day each year. These swarming events can occur at different times across the country, depending on the weather, and in particular, temperature, humidity and wind.", reports Wales Online. "While you might see a few flying ants on most warm summer days, 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. On radar, these dense clouds of insects can even resemble rain. "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." Here are some ant prevention tips for your home from the pest experts at Rentokil: 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.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Climate
- Wales Online
Flying Ant Day 2025 to be one of biggest in recent memory, experts say
Flying Ant Day 2025 to be one of biggest in recent memory, experts say Pest control experts say we will see swarms of tens of millions of ants large enough to be seen on radar Winged ants swarming on a hot summer day Pest experts are warning of a major increase in flying ant activity, triggered by the perfect mix of alternating wet and warm weather, and say this year's Flying Ant Day—the annual nuptial flight when millions of winged ants swarm the skies in synchronized displays—could be one of the biggest in recent memory. Rentokil says this summer's fluctuating conditions—especially high humidity—are ideal for swarming. A spokesman said: 'In past years, radar systems have even mistaken these dense clouds of ants for rain.' 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'. 'Despite the name, Flying Ant Day doesn't happen on a single fixed day each year. These swarming events can occur at different times across the country, depending on the weather, and in particular, temperature, humidity and wind. Article continues below 'While you might see a few flying ants on most warm summer days, 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. On radar, these dense clouds of insects can even resemble rain. '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. Article continues below '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.' Here are some ant prevention tips for your home from the pest experts at Rentokil:
