Flying ants swarm in Britain as nuptial flight begins

In Britain and Ireland, the phenomenon known as 'flying ant day' occurs annually, typically in July or August, coinciding with the warm weather. During this period, swarms of winged black garden ants, specifically Lasius niger, exit their nests to take part in a nuptial flight. This event marks the reproductive phase when virgin queen ants and male drones leave their colonies in search of new mating opportunities and to establish new colonies. The flying ants prefer hot, humid conditions with calm winds, thriving especially at around 25°C. The sheer volume of these ants can be so significant that they have registered on weather radars as drifting clouds, complicating meteorological assessments. This can lead to uncomfortable encounters with humans, as the ants may invade personal spaces, cling to clothing, or splatter car windshields. This spectacle is not only fascinating to entomologists but has also garnered attention in pop culture. An example includes the disruption of a Wimbledon match in July 2018, when players Caroline Wozniacki and Ekaterina Makarova were forced to pause play due to an influx of flying ants. While the occurrence can be annoying, the insects in this stage of their lifecycle pose little threat to humans. Professor James Logan, a bug expert, suggests that the best method for dealing with flying ants is to stay out of their way and secure areas to prevent them from entering homes. He advises shutting doors, using screens, and storing food in sealed containers to minimize encounters. This phase is critical not only for the survival of the species but also plays an important role in the maintenance of natural ecosystems, as ants contribute significantly to soil aeration and serve as a food source for various bird species. In summary, while flying ants might be a nuisance during their mating flights, they are harmless and serve essential ecological purposes.