Warning issued as 'swarms of ants' emerge in wet and warm weather

Published: Tue 15 Jul 2025, 11:22 AM

A warning has been issued to the public as wet and warm weather conditions encourage swarms of ants this summer.

Rentokil, Ireland’s leading pest control provider, is warning the public of increased ant activity in the coming weeks, with the annual Flying Ant Day phenomenon expected to occur in July and early August.

Flying Ant Day, also known as the nuptial flight, is not a single-day event but an extended period during which winged ants emerge from their nests to mate mid-air and establish new colonies.

High humidity from mixed weather conditions is predicted to encourage an increase in swarms, as conditions help to keep ants’ wings and bodies moist during flight.

After mating mid-air, the male ants which are smaller fall to the ground and die, while the newly fertilized female queens shed their wings and burrow into the soil to nest and start new colonies.

Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager for Rentokil in Ireland, said: “We expect to see high levels of ant activity this summer, particularly during warm and humid spells in July and August.

"While people often refer to ‘Flying Ant Day’, it is in reality a series of swarming events that take place over several weeks. These insects may be a nuisance, particularly during outdoor dining or events, but they also play a role in the ecosystem, aerating the soil and serving as food for birds.

“However, ant infestations in homes or businesses can escalate quickly. Ants leave pheromone trails when they find a food source, attracting more ants to the area. Prevention is key to avoiding a problem.”