Millions of ants are expected to swarm the UK this month
Millions of households across the UK are being warned to close their windows as flying ants are expected to sweep the UK.
Flying Ant Day is an annual event where millions of winged male and female ants fly out of their colonies to mate in the air.
Speaking to The Guardian, experts said the best thing to do is “keep your doors, windows and mouth shut during the peak.”
It’s important to let the bugs be, the experts explain, as “black garden ants are an important food source for birds and a friend to the butterfly, while their tunnelling is vital for improving soil quality.”
The reason the ants swarm on one day is to “improve their chances of survival by overwhelming predators,” the experts added.
According to Best Ants UK: “Flying Ant Day in 2025 is predicted to occur earlier than usual, with peak activity anticipated around 22 and 25 of July.”
Keeping windows and doors shut is one of the most effective methods of preventing flying insects from entering your home, UK households are told.
Installing a fly screen can also help prevent flying ants from entering your home, allowing you to leave windows and doors open, writes Birmingham Live.
You can also use a strong detergent to remove any pheromone trails foraging ants have laid down to direct ants to a food source.
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.
“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’.
“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.”
