Why Are There So Many Flying Ants?
In Pests
What are flying ants?
Flying ants are just normal ants with wings. Although they can be irritating, they are actually harmless. In the UK there are one quadrillion ants (that’s 16 zeros) – more than one million ants per person. Several species of ants are common in this country, and most of them fly and swarm. However, the species of flying ant we notice most frequently is the black garden ant. The male ants are black and measure 4-5mm long; the queens can be up to 15mm long. They live in tunnels, build their nests in the ground, and don’t tend to invade properties.
Why do flying ants swarm every year?
The young, winged queen ants and winged males ants from multiple colonies of the same species can fly and swarm. They leave their nests and swarm to reproduce and set up new colonies. When they’re airborne the queens mate with the males. After mating the male dies and the queen chews off her wings then crawls around looking for a place to dig a nest and start a new colony.
The reason so many ants swarm together all at once is that it helps protects them from predators (mainly birds) and gives them a much better chance of finding mates.
When do flying ants swarm?
Flying ants only appear on one day during the summer months when the conditions are optimal. This is usually when it’s hot and humid in July or August. However, they don’t swarm throughout the country on the same day as the conditions vary – ‘flying ant day’ is just a myth. The swarms only last for a couple of days and will usually disappear on their own.
Why is it worth getting rid of flying ants?
Flying ants mean the start of a new colony. Getting rid of ants before they swarm or as they start to swarm will limit the possibility of future ant problems as well as eradicating an existing one.
PEST UK have the tools and skills to eradicate ants quickly and efficiently. For more information on how we get rid of ants please click here.
If you would like advice on how to get rid of ants or a quote, call PEST UK on 0800 026 0308 or email us at services@pestuk.com
PEST UK
PEST UK provide fast, reliable and effective pest control services for homes and business premises. Professionally trained and qualified technicians deliver guaranteed results using biodegradable insecticides and poisons.
PEST UK are a full member of the BPCA (British Pest Control Association), the governing body for pest control in the UK. Using a BPCA member company ensures you have a qualified, professional and fully insured company treating your pest problem.
PEST UK have offices in Bracknell, Edgware, Salisbury, St Albans, Stevenage, Swindon, Thame, Wantage, Ware, Watford, and Woking.
