Flying ants explained as high temperatures recorded in UK - When do flying ants appear? Do flying ants bite?
As the weather warms up again, we take a look at when flying ants appear and why they swarm.
UK residents have reported seeing flying ants over the last few days, as the country experiences a rise in temperatures.
Here’s all you need to know on flying ants, including why flying ants swarm and where ants typically nest.
Why do ants fly?
According to the Natural History Museum, an ant colony can only get so big, before a new queen will need to strike out on her own to begin a new colony. She needs to meet and mate with a male from a different colony and find a new area in which to start building a nest. Growing wings and flying enables her to do this.
Why do flying ants swarm?
One reason flying ants emerge in larger numbers is because it gives them protection from predators. Another reason flying ants swarm is to increase their chance of reproduction, with more of their species around, the ants shouldn’t have far to look for a mate.
Where do ants nest?
Before swarming, ants live in a colony in a nest. Black garden ants nest in dry soil, with them often found in flower beds and lawns, and under paving slabs or stones. The Natural History Museum says, in the few weeks before swarming, you may notice heaps of soil appearing above the nests.
Do flying ants bite?
According to National Geographic, flying ants are harmless.
Red ants do have a stinger, and can also bite with their mandibles. However 90% of flying ants in the UK are black ants, which don’t have a stinger and can’t bite through human skin.
When is Flying Ant Day?
There is no specific 'Flying Ant Day', but scientists have found that ants are capable of short term weather prediction and chose a warm day to travel.
The swarming event usually takes place in mid to late summer, coinciding with a period of humid weather.