Biggest flying ant day in recent memory is just days away, experts warn

Flying ant day is just days away and experts say this year's swarms will be big - possibly the biggest in recent memory. Experts are warning of a major increase in flying ant swarms triggered by the recent alternating wet and hot weather, and say this year's Flying Ant Day - the annual nuptial flight when millions of winged ants swarm the skies - could be one of the biggest in recent memory.

According to bestantsuk: "Flying Ant Day in 2025 is predicted to occur earlier than usual, with peak activity anticipated around 22 and 25 of July." They said the first huge swarms could appear in the UK's large cities in June, thanks to the warming effect of big buildings and populations. They added: "Urban areas experience earlier flying ant emergencies due to the heat island effect. Cities maintain higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas, creating conditions that trigger premature ant colony activities, particularly in places like London."

Rentokil says this summer's conditions - especially high humidity - are ideal for swarming. Flying Ant Day actually takes place over a number of days - around 45 - and peaks on two or three days when the conditions are perfect and swarms are huge.

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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, also known as the nuptial flight, and sometimes nicknamed 'flant 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'.

"Despite the name, Flying Ant Day doesn't happen on a single fixed day each year. These swarming events can occur at different times across the country, depending on the weather, and in particular, temperature, humidity and wind.

"While you might see a few flying ants on most warm summer days, 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. On radar, these dense clouds of insects can even resemble rain.

"Though it may seem like a summertime nuisance, this swarming strategy is believed to help more ants survive by overwhelming their predators including swifts and gulls.

"After mating mid-air, the male ants which are smaller will quickly fall to the ground and die. The newly fertilized female queens shed their wings and burrow into the soil to nest and start new colonies.

"While flying ants might disrupt your picnic, barbecue, or pub garden pint, they play a vital role in the ecosystem by aerating soil, recycling nutrients, and serving as a key food source for birds."

Ant prevention tips for your home from the pest experts at Rentokil:

• Block entry points into your home by sealing cracks and crevices around doors, windows and pipework
• Sweep up food debris from under kitchen appliances and units
• Clear up any food or liquid spillages immediately.
• Store your food in airtight containers wherever possible.
• If you have a pet, clear away any food that isn't eaten straight away.
• Make sure all rubbish bins have tightly sealed lids.
• Keeping windows and doors shut is one of the most effective methods of preventing flying insects from entering your home
• Installing a fly screen will prevent flying ants from entering your home, whilst still leaving windows and doors open
• Use a strong detergent to remove any pheromone trails foraging ants have laid down to direct other ants to a food source.