Insects are not only fascinating, they are vital for our survival on this planet. Whether it is providing food for creatures further up the food chain, removing waste or pollenating our plants, creepy crawlies are incredible. However, many people are really uncomfortable at the idea of them coming into their homes. For these people, Flying Ant Day can be very unsettling.
To try and help, we have put together a guide to Flying Ant Day with the help of pest control company Merlin Environmental. This should help you know the best time to keep your windows shut.
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When is Flying Ant Day 2022?
The first thing to say that this isn't just a single day. All of the ants haven't got together and synchronised their calendars to decide that "this is the day we all fly off". It can happen on pretty much any warm, calm day where the conditions are right for the black ant (Lasius Niger) to take flight.
Flying ant days occur when black ants take to the wing in order to search for food, water, a new home, and a mate. Temperatures must be above 13C and wind speeds below 6.3 metres per second for flying ants to emerge. In the UK, these events most commonly occur in July and August, when the temperature is above 25C.
Can flying ants bite and are they dangerous?
According to Adam Juson, founder of Merlin Environmental the quick answers are "no" and "no". Flying ants aren’t considered to be dangerous. Black ants do not bite. It’s just very unpleasant when you’re caught in a swarm. And, like any other British ant, they can be an almighty headache when they invade your home.
What can you do to get rid of flying ants?
If you keep your windows shut, or use insect screens, flying ants are unlikely to find their way into your home. They’re just an inconvenience that will keep you out of your garden for a couple of days a year. But if it becomes a great inconvenience, then there are steps you can take to rid yourself of the problem:
- Locate the nest. This is usually pretty easy. Just follow the ants back to where they emerged.
- Remove the nest. Unless the ants have made their nest in a movable receptacle, like a plant pot, in most cases, this is going to involve destroying the nest. For a friendlier approach, try placing a large plant pot over the nest. In the course of a few weeks, the ants will move their nest into the plant pot, then you can safely relocate it.
- Place deterrents and traps by doors and windows. Sticky tape can catch them. Dishes of artificial sweetener mixed with apple juice will kill ants when they take it back to their nest. And they don’t like the smell of herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic.
- Don’t attract them! If you leave food out and uncovered, you’re essentially inviting ants into your home.
- If ants become a serious problem, contact your local pest control experts.
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