Flying ants explained as West Midlands temperatures soar - when flying appear and how long they stay
As the West Midlands experiences a period of hot weather, we take a look at when flying ants appear and why they swarm.
UK residents have reported seeing flying ants over the last few days, as the country experiences a rise in temperatures.
Here’s all you need to know on flying ants, including why flying ants swarm and where ants typically nest.
Why ants fly
According to the Natural History Museum, an ant colony can only get so big, before a new queen will need to strike out on her own to begin a new colony. She needs to meet and mate with a male from a different colony and find a new area in which to start building a nest. Growing wings and flying enables her to do this.
Why flying ants swarm
One reason flying ants emerge in larger numbers is because it gives them protection from predators. Another reason flying ants swarm is to increase their chance of reproduction, with more of their species around, the ants shouldn’t have far to look for a mate.
Where ants nest
Before swarming, ants live in a colony in a nest. Black garden ants nest in dry soil, with them often found in flower beds and lawns, and under paving slabs or stones. The Natural History Museum says, in the few weeks before swarming, you may notice heaps of soil appearing above the nests.
If flying ants bite
According to National Geographic, flying ants are harmless.
Red ants do have a stinger, and can also bite with their mandibles. However 90% of flying ants in the UK are black ants, which don’t have a stinger and can’t bite through human skin.
When flying ants appear and flying ant day
There is no specific 'Flying Ant Day', but scientists have found that ants are capable of short term weather prediction and chose a warm day to travel.
The swarming event usually takes place in mid to late summer, coinciding with a period of humid weather.
How long flying ants stay around
After mating, the role of the males is over. The mated queens chew off their own wings and look for a suitable site in which to nest and set up a new colony. Flying ants will only stay around your house for a few hours to a couple of days during their swarm.
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