Swarms of flying ants descend on London
Humidity and high temperatures trigger early invasion of black garden ants
29 June 2009
THE sweltering temperatures of the last week have sparked an early invasion of flying ants.
Experts say London's current hot and humid weather makes perfect conditions for the black garden ants - known as Lasius Niger - which have emerged for their annual mating ritual.
The tiny creatures, which can stick to hair, skin and laundry, have taken to the skies in huge numbers to maximise the chances of reproducing as swarms keep predators away.
The males will have been waiting for several weeks for the queens to emerge as the days lengthen and temperatures warm up.
After leaving their nests to breed for just one day, females then lose their wings before searching for somewhere to hibernate until they lay eggs and set up a new colony.
Normally the insects mate in mid-July in the UK but the higher than normal temperatures throughout May and June have promoted an early season, according to Rentokil.
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