{"id":16760,"date":"2024-07-24T16:52:12","date_gmt":"2024-07-24T15:52:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentokil.ie\/blog\/?p=16760"},"modified":"2026-04-17T15:03:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T14:03:32","slug":"flying-ants-where-do-they-come-from-and-why-do-they-appear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentokil.ie\/blog\/flying-ants-where-do-they-come-from-and-why-do-they-appear\/","title":{"rendered":"Flying Ants: where do they come from and why do they appear?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Every summer, usually in July or August, an event known as “flying ant day” (or “flant day”) happens, which might seem slightly weird at first. These flying ants are actually the normal black ants you would find in your garden (Lasius niger) that you will see in lawns, flower beds, under patio slabs and sometimes even in your kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These ants<\/a> take to the air when the weather is warm, humid and calm. They sprout wings for a short time and embark on a “nuptial flight,” gathering in large swarms with other colonies to find a mate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Flying Ant Day Phenomenon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite its name, flying ant day is not just a single day but a short season that stretches from mid-July to late August, contingent on favourable weather conditions. During this period, ant colonies release winged males and future queens to mate and establish new colonies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul Blackhurst, Technical Academy Head at Rentokil Pest Control, explains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Flying ant day, also known as the nuptial flight, is a natural event where large numbers of winged ants, called alates, simultaneously take to the air to find mates from other colonies. While it’s often called ‘flying ant day,’ this phenomenon actually occurs sporadically across the UK whenever the weather conditions are right. This is a survival tactic designed to overwhelm predators like swifts and gulls, thus increasing the ants’ chances of survival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mating occurs in the air between fertile males (the smaller flying ants) and unmated females (the larger flying ants). Post-mating, both ants fall to the ground, the male dies, and the new queen sheds her wings before burrowing underground to start a new nest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Managing Flying Ants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flying ants can be bothersome, especially when trying to enjoy outdoor events like barbecues, picnics, or drinks in a beer garden on a sunny day. Thankfully, these swarms are usually short-lived, lasting only a few hours. Despite the temporary annoyance, flying ants are beneficial to the environment as they aerate the soil, recycle nutrients, and provide food for birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re dealing with flying ants indoors, consider these prevention<\/a> tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep Them Out<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Seal entry points<\/strong>: Use caulk to seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and foundations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Close windows and doors<\/strong>: A simple way to keep flying ants from entering your home.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Install fly screens<\/strong>: If you need ventilation, fly screens can help keep flying ants out.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Natural Deterrents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n