The annual phenomenon of Flying Ant Day typically marks the end of summer, but shifts in weather patterns are causing the winged pests to emerge sooner due to the current soaring temperatures.
These ants, also known as alates, are the colony’s reproductive members tasked with establishing new colonies through mid-air mating swarms. However, all hope is not lost. There are some things you can do to help banish these pesky insects from your home. The first tip, according to pest control experts at Fantastic Services, is to get rid of any rotting wood in your home.
How to get rid of flying ants
1. Take care of rotting wood
Rotting wood may be hidden behind your walls, under old carpets, or in a musty corner at the top of your house in the attic.
Replace any damp and decaying wood on your property as this will attract the flying ants’ nests. You’ll also need to repair the source of the moisture.
2. Fix leaks
Leaks from plumbing or your roof should be eliminated, according to Saga Magazine. To keep further infestations from occurring, stop any direct contact between your wooden structure and the ground. This includes any things that attract moisture like piles of soil, plants and mulch.
If you have any firewood stored up for the winter, keep this as far away from your home interior as possible.
3. Use washing up liquid
One other surprising kitchen staple can combat flying ants effectively – dishwashing soap, according to Tom’s Guide.
The soap clings to the ants’ exoskeletons, leading to dehydration. Simply mix water with two to three squirts of dish soap in a spray bottle and spritz any visible flying ants.
Entice the winged nuisances with some bait on the ground and lay down sticky tape, adhesive side up, nearby. Position the tape as close to the bait as possible, ensuring the ants get stuck upon landing, according to Woman & Home. This method will immobilise the ants, preventing further flight.
4. Apply insecticidal powder
Traditional pest control methods like sprays and powders can thwart an ant incursion in your abode. Apply insecticidal powder around window and door frames or use bug spray to deter these uninvited intruders.
Have you noticed flying ants?
Social media is abuzz with complaints about the nuisance, with one X user declaring: “Would appear flying ant day has arrived in Notts. Another expressed their revulsion, tweeting: “Of all the strange things I’ve discovered are normal in England, the day when thousands of flying ants rise from their nests every year is by far the most disgusting one.”
Another said: “Swarms of these flying ants about tonight”. Someone else complained about how early the day fell this year, saying it is “Extremely early this year.”
