A swarm of flying ants are set to descend upon Dublin this summer, with this time of year the peak times for the critters to search for mates.
Although the mating season, which is often called "Flying Ant Day", isn't usually until the end of July and early August, thousands of critters have already swarmed homes and businesses in the capital. These winged insects usually enter properties in search of food and are mostly harmless.
Dubliners are likely to see more of these ants over the next few days, as the warm weather continues. The ants grow wings which the female critters later bite off to provide themselves with extra protein.
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Pest control provider Rentokil recorded a 30% increase in callouts for ants in July 2021 when compared to May of the same year. Dublin has experienced the highest level of callouts for ants so far this year, accounting for 40% of all ant callouts in 2022.
Galway saw 18% of ant callouts, followed by Cork at 8% and Kildare at 6% of callouts. The phenomenon occurs during a period in the summer months when flying ants leave the nest to reproduce and start a new colony.
Swarms of flying ants from multiple colonies conjoin to breed mid-air. This is believed to be due to the temperature, humidity and wind conditions being just right for them.
Richard Faulkner, Advanced Technical Field Consultant for Rentokil, said: "Late July and early August is when we see this phenomenon occur. While it is often labelled as 'flying ant day', it is in reality an extended period of time where we see increased activity from the insects.
"Ants can enter a premise in search of food and while ant infestations don't present a danger to inhabitants, they can be a nuisance, and a small problem can quickly become a large one. If they find a food source, ants can lay down a pheromone trail which attracts other ants to the area," he added.
Here are some ways you can protect your homes and business from an infestation of flying ants this summer:
- Clear up any food or liquid spillages immediately.
- Sweep up any food crumbs from under your kitchen appliances and units.
- Store your food in airtight containers wherever possible.
- If you have a pet, clear away any food that isn’t eaten straight away.
- In the garden, keep your compost enclosed and make sure all rubbish bins have tightly sealed lids.
- Seal cracks and crevices around doors and window frames
- Keeping windows and doors shut is one of the most effective methods of preventing flying insects from entering your home or business
- Installing a fly screen will prevent flying ants from entering your home whilst leaving windows and doors open
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