Warning over flying ANTS invading Brit towns with shock pics showing swarms (2024)

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Warning over flying ANTS invading Brit towns with shock pics showing swarms? ›

BRITS have been warned after shocking images revealed flying ants swarming around homes - here's the £1 hack to get rid of them. People across the UK reported swarms of flying ants taking over their homes and gardens this week. The event, dubbed "flying ant day" sees millions of bugs take to the sky at once.

Why do flying ants appear in such large numbers all at once? One reason is that this gives them protection from predators. There really is safety in numbers. Another reason to swarm is to increase the chance of reproduction - with larger numbers of their species around the ants won't have far to look for a mate.

'Although they can be a nuisance and alarming in great numbers, flying ants do not cause any harm and will go, usually as quickly as they appear, typically within a few hours,' explains Paul Blackhurst, technical academy head at Rentokil Pest Control.

You can get rid of flying ants by mixing one part liquid dish soap and two parts water in a spray bottle and adding several drops of peppermint oil to the mixture. Shake the bottle, and then spray the flying ants wherever you see them. The soap will dehydrate the insects, while the peppermint oil suffocates them.

Flying termites have straight antennae, a plump waist, and wings of equal size. On the other hand, flying ants sport elbowed antennae, a narrow waist, and front wings that outstretch their hind wings. It's like a subtle fashion show in the insect world!

Although carpenter ants can chew through wood and create property damage, generally speaking flying ants are not dangerous. They are not more likely to bite and they are not poisonous. They are, however, annoying and a swarm of flying ants can lead to a full-on ant infestation around your home.

For many homeowners, the first obvious sign of termite infestation is a swarm of flying insects. However, not all swarming insects are termites – some are flying ants. Pest control experts are trained to distinguish between flying ants and termites based on a few physical characteristics.

Flying ants can be found around outdoor areas like pools and indoors around moist wood. They're attracted to moisture, but can also be found in dry wood. In homes, they nest near water leaks such as unsealed windows and doors, sinks and bathtubs.

Vinegar does not kill ants in the traditional sense: you spray it, and the ant dies. The only way this remedy is effective is if the ant drowns in vinegar (though water accomplishes the same thing).

During the early stages of their lives, queen ants do have wings, as they are the fertile female flying ants. Once these winged ants have left the nest and successfully mated they will shed their wings and start the new colony, spending the rest of their lives wingless.

What smell do flying ants hate? ›

Ants hate the smell of cinnamon so you can add some dried cinnamon to areas of your home where you've seen ants or get a cinnamon-based diffuser or candle to keep the ants away.

A little vinegar can go a long way when it comes to ants infestation. The smell of vinegar repels ants, so spraying them with a mixture of vinegar and water will force them to leave.

All brands of bleach can kill ants. Clorox is the most popular brand of bleach out there but there are other brands that can also get the job done when it comes to killing ants. Although bleach can kill ants, like traps and baits, it will not be able to completely get rid of the ant problem.

The sudden appearance of flying ants inside your home can be quite unsettling and concerning. It means that there is possibly an infestation in your wall voids, a nest somewhere else inside your home, or outside on your property.

Fortunately, flying ants typically last for a few hours to a few days. Flying ants will use their wings to leave the colony and reproduce. Swarming does not frequently happen, so pest control companies will focus on preventing flying ants rather than exterminating them.

The most distinct differences between flying ants and termite swarmers lie within their appearances. Opposite of termite swarmers, winged ants will have a bent antenna and a pinched waist. They have two sets of wings; one is larger than the other.

It's simple: to reproduce. Flying ant swarmers spend most of the spring and summer inside their colonies where workers feed them. When late summer arrives and conditions are right, they emerge from the nest to seek mates and establish new colonies.

While prevention is the best way to get rid of them, you can try to banish their presence by using all-natural spray with peppermint oil. Pop a few droplets into a spray bottle, add water or dish soap and then mix well. It might not stop them from coming back, but it will certainly reduce their current presence.

The warm weather means there is a high risk of flying ants coming into your home because you'll have doors and windows open, and once inside they'll be attracted to any sweet foods you have lying around.