In your eyes, mouth and even swarming the ground – there comes a point every year when it feels like flying ants are everywhere.
And this summer, experts believe it is going to be worse than ever.
Dubbed Flying Ant Day, it is an annual event when millions of winged male and female ants fly out of their colonies to mate in the air.
The flights actually takes place across the country over a number of weeks in July and August, but this year’s rollercoaster weather has created ideal conditions for particularly hefty swarms.
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.’
People living in cities need to be on watch sooner, as urban areas are typically warmer so trigger early mating activities.
Pest control company Rentokil say this summer’s conditions, in particular the high humidity, is more suited for swarming.
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.’
