Homeowners across the UK are being urged to prepare for an onslaught of flying ants this summer, as warm, humid conditions trigger earlier and more intense swarms.
According to home maintenance expert Neil McKenzie at Halton Stairlifts, the UK’s annual “flying ant day” is stretching into a full-blown “flying ant season” – with activity already ramping up and peak swarms expected between 22–25 July.
“This year’s weather – a combination of heatwaves and sudden rainfall – has created the perfect breeding conditions,” explains McKenzie. “We’re seeing nuptial flights begin earlier, last longer, and in some areas, feel more severe than previous years.”
Flying ants are the reproductive males and future queen ants of common black ant colonies. Once or twice each summer, colonies release them in coordinated nuptial flights to mate and start new nests – often swarming in gardens, kitchens, lofts and window frames.
McKenzie adds:
“You might wake up to hundreds of winged ants in your home or garden overnight. It can be unsettling, but it’s a natural – if annoying – part of the ant life cycle.”
How to keep flying ants out of your home:
Neil McKenzie shares his top prevention tips:
- Seal up entry points – Pay special attention to cracks around windows, vents, and skirting boards.
- Keep kitchens spotless – Ants are attracted to food residue, especially sugar and crumbs.
- Use peppermint spray – A natural deterrent ants dislike, especially near entry points.
- Turn off outdoor lights at night – Lights attract swarming ants, especially near windows and doors.
- Act fast – If you spot a swarm indoors, use a vacuum cleaner to remove them quickly and block their entry point.
While flying ants aren’t harmful, their sheer numbers can overwhelm homes. And with climate change extending their mating season each year, McKenzie warns this nuisance is becoming a regular summer feature.
“We used to talk about ‘flying ant day’ – now it’s more like flying ant month,” he says. “A bit of prep now can save a lot of stress later.”