This does not sound pleasant.
Ireland is on alert for an invasion of flying ants in the coming days and weeks thanks to the warm conditions that have prevailed so far this summer.
Rentokil Ireland, experts in pest control, is advising that the annual nuptial flight of ants is imminent. As such, an ant invasion is likely to be seen over the coming days and weeks as flying ants make their annual return.
The weather conditions we’ve been experiencing of late – close, warm and humid – provide the perfect ambiance for garden ants to get steamy and start their ‘nuptial flight’, or mating on the wing.
The ants appear suddenly as they leave the colony together in one coordinated flight, which is also synchronised with the flight of ants from neighbouring colonies.
The nuisance pests, known as Black garden ants, usually begin foraging as early as January but become obvious and a real nuisance during their nuptial flight. The nuptial flight season generally peaks in July, after which the lovers abandon their amorous ways.
After mating, the female ants discard their wings and burrow into a tunnel to lay their eggs and hibernate for the winter. Unfortunately for the males, they die after the deed is done!
Richard Faulkner, Advanced Technical Field Consultant at Rentokil, has the following tips for preventing ant infestations: “The majority of black garden ants come in to your home to forage for food, in particular sweet and sticky substances. To reduce the likelihood of an ant invasion in your home, you should take the following precautions:
- Clear away food and liquid spillages immediately
- Clean food debris from the floor under kitchen appliances
- Make sure all rubbish bins have tightly sealed lids
- Clear away your pet’s food after eating
- Seal access points such as cracks and crevices in door and window frames
- Always cover food, you don’t know where the ant has been before it crawls across your food!”
You’ve been warned.
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