Latest news with #summerpests
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Banish flying ants from home with £5 B&M gadget this weekend – as tens of MILLIONS to take to skies in ‘massive swarm'
AS temperatures climb to 33C across the UK, early signs of flying ant season are already being spotted — and a £5 gadget from B&M is being hailed as a simple way to keep them out. One clever solution is already making waves online. 3 One user took to Facebook to share the tip, posting: 'Magnetic insect door screen at B&M.' The £5 gadget could help stop them in their tracks. The screen fastens with Velcro tape around the doorframe and is held snug by a series of magnets along the centre seam. T his magnetic strip allows the screen to open and close effortlessly—step through and it snaps right back into place, keeping unwanted insects out without ever getting in your way . It sparked a wave of interest, with one user saying: 'I bought this and it helped.' Another wrote: 'I need to get this ASAP,' while a third added: 'I just use shower curtains.' Others tagged friends to spread the word as the country braces for Flying Ant Day, when millions of the pests take to the air in a huge mating swarm. The phenomenon is being reported across the UK, as the recent hot and humid conditions create ideal circumstances for the ants to emerge. What are flying ants? Flying ants are usually black garden ants — known scientifically as Lasius niger. These colonies can contain thousands of female worker ants and are ruled by a single queen. The winged ants spotted in summer are either new queens or males, taking part in their once-in-a-lifetime mating flight. Once mating is done, the queens lose their wings and begin the search for a place to establish a new colony. The larger ants you see walking around on their own afterwards are in fact these new queens, looking to start a nest. Although they may look alarming, flying ants are generally harmless to humans. They can cause seagulls to act drunk after eating them, due to the formic acid the ants release. Still, many people find the flying insects irritating, especially when they swarm indoors. One common home remedy is a simple mixture of washing-up liquid and water, sprayed directly onto the ants. Some suggest blending aspartame-based sweeteners with juice to create a sticky paste, which ants carry back to their nests, potentially reducing the population. Others opt for insecticidal powders, carefully applied around windows and doors to block their entry. The £5 magnetic insect screen from B&M, however, is proving to be a hit for many households. Easy to attach and remove, it creates a physical barrier over doorways while still allowing fresh air to flow through — ideal during the summer heat. Flying ants rarely bite, and even when they do, the NHS says the bites are 'generally harmless, although you'll probably feel a nip.' Their swarming typically happens during a short period in high summer known as Flying Ant Day. Despite the name, the event can stretch over several weeks depending on weather conditions. Most flying ants only live for a day or two after taking flight, which is why their tiny bodies often litter paths and pavements afterwards.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Stop flies buzzing about your food when eating outside with table gadget & you can pick it up from Aldi for £1.69
FLIES are a common pest found in the summer months and they tend to constantly try and sneak into our homes. While they may not be harmful, they certainly are annoying, but there's a simple way to stop them buzzing around your food. Pesky flies often come into the house seeking shelter from the heat. Fortunately, Aldi have come up with an inexpensive solution. Punters can nab a handy Food Umbrella which you can pop on top of dishes. And you won't have to break the bank, with each umbrella only setting shoppers back £1.69. So whether you've left your dinner out to cool or you've filled the garden table with finger food for your guests, the product is a great way to keep your grub fresh. Better still, there are a variety of sizes and colours to choose from. Shoppers can scoop a small, medium or large umbrella and either keep them plain or dotted with flamingoes or strawberries. And for those looking to keep their homes cool in the hot weather, the supermarket chain is also selling a budget-friendly Pedestal Fan for £29.99. The fan comes with a remote control, and features three speed settings, three breeze modes and five durable metal blades. If you're looking to get your hands on any of the new products, Aldi has reminded customers that they'll need to be quick. How do get the perfect summer glow up with Aldi's latest middle aisle beauty buys including a £4.99 serum that'll revitalise dull skin AND smells amazing "It's a case of 'you snooze you lose', as with all Specialbuys, once they're gone, they're gone!," the retailer said. More ways to beat the heat From today, Lidl is launching a new range of fans, including a Dyson dupe for £70 and an air conditioning unit for £150. The German retailer recently launched a huge bedding and homeware sale in its middle aisle, with prices from as little as £3.99. Shoppers can get a whole refresh of their bed linen for just over £50, with the range coming in a range of different colours and sizes. The Renforce BedLinen range, featuring a breathable cotton and polyester mix, is priced at £9.99 (single), £11.99 (double), and £13.99 (king). For a more luxurious option, shoppers can get the muslin bed linen range, priced at £24.99 for the double and £29.99 for the king size.
