Pest Control Sturry

Explains the

‘Flying Ant Day’

Have you ever heard of the Flying Ant Day?

If the answer is ‘yes’ to that question, have you ever wondered what it is?

Birds & Bees”

You could liken the ‘Flying Ant Day’ to ‘Royal Ascot Ladies Day,’ only instead of attracting royalty, the female ants are out to attract males. Miss Ant leaves her nest with a number of her workers, who also happen to be male, to look for Mr Right and then she can become Mrs Ant.

We are making light of it here, but when the ants decide to have their crazy nuptials, even sporting events have been cancelled due to the onslaught.

When does this normally occur?

It depends on the climate. Ants tend to get more lively in the hot weather, so around July in the UK.

How many times a year?

An old wives tale stated that this day only happens once a year. That is “a tale, myth, fallacy, call it what you like, but it isn’t true.” According to scientists, Flying Ant Day has occurred in the UK at least 6000 times in the space of year. As has already been stated, it depends on the weather.

Did you know?

•   Ants cannot chew their food. They move their jaw from side to side until all the liquid has been extracted, then they ingest that.

•   Ants let each other know when there is danger ahead.

•   They also communicate regarding food and where to find it.

•   An ant can lift 20 times its own weight, the equivalent to an average man lifting 4 tons.

•   Most people that have an ant infestation call a professional company like Pest Control Sturry.

•   Pavement ants do not just stay on the pavement, despite their name.

•   56% of people have ants in their home during the summer.

•   A sting from a ‘fire ant’ can result in death.

•   A greater number of people are concerned about ants than those who aren’t.

•   After mating, the female breaks off her wings and never flies again.

•   The ‘Crazy Ant’ (and yes, that is its proper title) was named such because of the erratic jerky movements it displays when looking for food.

•   The queen ant can live up to 30 years old.

•   Not all colonies have a queen ant.

•   Some colonies can have several queens, contrary to popular belief.

For a rapid response please give Pest Control Sturry a call.