Dealing with Flying Ant Day in Newmarket: Prevention and Treatment
It happens every summer in Newmarket: one moment you are enjoying a quiet afternoon in the garden or a walk near the gallops, and the next, the air is thick with thousands of winged insects. This phenomenon, colloquially known as “Flying Ant Day,” often triggers a minor panic among residents, especially when these swarms find their way into kitchens and conservatories.
While it can feel like a scene from a horror film, this mass emergence is a natural and vital part of the local ecosystem. However, when the “nuptial flight” happens inside your property, it quickly shifts from a natural wonder to a pest priority. At Newmarket Pest Solutions, we are here to help you understand why this happens and, more importantly, how to get rid of flying ants effectively.
What Exactly is “Flying Ant Day”?
The first thing to understand is that “Flying Ant Day” is a bit of a misnomer. In reality, it is a flying ant season that typically occurs between June and August in Suffolk. The swarms are triggered by specific weather conditions: warm, humid days (usually above 25°C) with low wind speeds, often following a period of summer rain.
The Nuptial Flight
The winged ants you see are the sexually mature queens and males of the Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger). They emerge from their underground nests simultaneously to mate in mid-air. This “nuptial flight” ensures that queens can mate with males from different colonies, promoting genetic diversity.
Once mating is complete, the males die, and the queens fall back to the ground, shed their wings, and search for a suitable spot to start a new colony. Unfortunately, if they happen to be inside your home when this happens, they may try to establish a nest under your floorboards or behind your skirting boards.
Why Flying Ants Enter Newmarket Homes
Flying ants are not “attacking” your home; they are simply following the light and warmth.
Light Attraction: Like many flying insects, they are drawn to light sources. If you have your windows open on a humid July evening with the lights on, your home becomes a giant beacon for the swarm.
Entry Points: Many of Newmarket’s older properties have small cracks in masonry, gaps around window frames, or old air bricks that provide an easy entrance for a swarming colony.
Internal Nests: If you see a large number of flying ants emerging from inside a specific room (such as from under a kitchen unit), it is a strong sign that you have an established nest already living beneath your property.
How to Get Rid of Flying Ants: Immediate Steps
If you find yourself in the middle of a swarm, don’t panic. Here is how to handle the immediate influx:
1. The Vacuum Method
The quickest way to remove a swarm that has entered a room is to use a vacuum cleaner. This is much cleaner and more effective than trying to swat them or using a “fly swat” which can leave stains on walls. Once you have finished, ensure you empty the vacuum bag or canister into an outside bin immediately.
2. Dish Soap and Water
A simple DIY spray made of two parts water and one part washing-up liquid is highly effective against flying ants. The soap coats their bodies and prevents them from breathing. Simply spray the ants directly as you see them.
3. Block the Entry Points
If you see them coming through a specific window or door, close it immediately and draw the curtains to block the light attraction. If they are coming through a crack in the wall, a temporary seal with tape or blue-tack can stop the influx until a permanent repair can be made.
Long-Term Prevention Strategies
To avoid a repeat performance next summer, you need to look at pest proofing your home.
Seal the Gaps: Inspect your external brickwork and window frames. Use clear silicone sealant or mortar to fill any gaps that could serve as an entry point.
Clean Up Food Sources: While flying ants are focused on mating, the worker ants that support the nest are looking for food. Ensure kitchen surfaces are free from sugary spills and crumbs.
Fly Screens: If you like to keep your windows open during the Suffolk summer, consider installing mesh fly screens. These allow for ventilation while providing an impenetrable barrier to swarming insects.
When to Call the Professionals
In most cases, a flying ant swarm outside is a short-lived event that lasts only a few hours. However, you should contact Newmarket Pest Solutions if:
They are emerging from inside: If the ants are coming out from under your floors or through your walls, you have a nest that requires professional-grade baiting to eliminate the queen.
The swarms are recurring: If you experience multiple “flying ant days” in a single week, it suggests several large nests are in close proximity to your foundations.
You want peace of mind: We use specialised, non-toxic treatments that reach deep into the nest, ensuring the colony is neutralised safely without harming your pets or children.
Conclusion: Don’t Let the Swarm Take Over
“Flying Ant Day” is a hallmark of the British summer, but it doesn’t have to ruin your afternoon. By acting quickly and ensuring your home is properly sealed, you can enjoy the warmer weather without the unwanted guests.
Resolve Your Ant Problem Today
Are you worried about a nest beneath your floorboards or tired of summer swarms? Contact Newmarket Pest Solutions today for expert advice and guaranteed ant removal.