Flying ants can be found anywhere while its challenging to kill them as they can fly easily. They also play their role in many natural processes on environment like soil aeration which is vital for plant growth
What is Flying Ant Day?
We may see flying ants on a single day at various places in the UK - flying ant day. Usually, the ant colonies emerge with a flying ant - when queen ants leave their nests to make new colonies.
If you are disturbed watching flying ants everywhere, then you must approach Rapid Pest Control Service. They will be glad to end your worry.
As per our citizen science project of The Flying Ant Survey, it is a surprise to know that it is not only a single day when the ants fly. It can be multiple days also.
It entirely relies upon the environmental conditions, primarily including the weather situations that let the ants fly and move from their place. Also, especially in summers, the ants can fly any time as per their needs.
The Biology Flying Ant Survey
In 2012, A survey was started on The Flying Ant Day by Professor Adam Hart, who was from the University of Gloucestershire. It was an online project and took three years to complete. This survey aimed at people's review about where and how often they see flying ants.
The result of the survey was that it is not a single day when ants fly; instead, it can be multiple days. Deciding the exact number of days is not possible as it varies, not fixed because the frequency of day relies on the weather conditions
The ant colonies do not have any proper geographical coordination between them during their flight to skies. There is a possibility that one garden has flying ants day and opposite to this the other garden may not have any winged ants in a whole week or an entire month.
Flying ants are concerned about the weather conditions and they do have strict rules. They require a temperature above 13 C and a wind speed below 6.3 meters per second. The mean temperature of 25 C is also acceptable for the ants to fly.
The observations and results of the survey were officially published later in a journal Ecography. Also, the BBC has a summary of the findings as well.
Flying Ant Day FAQs
Why does flying ant day occur?
This day occurs for the formation of new ant colonies. On a flying ant day, males and queen ants get a chance to mate. Mating is necessary for the continual of the species.
There is no fixed number of days in which ants fly in a year. Sometimes they make a flight more than usual in a year. On the contrary, it is also possible that they may fly very rarely in the next year.
Are all flying ants are of the same species?
According to our survey, the black pavement ant Lasius niger is the most famous species of ants which fly. We were able to analyze this by asking for help from people who were super interested in doing more to us. They sent us samples of flying ants in their area. And so we made the above conclusion.
What are the conditions needed for flying ants to appear?
Ants are excellent weather forecasters as they predict the nature of the upcoming days and prefer flying in warmer days in which the speed of the wind is meagre. This saves the ants from facing any trouble during their flight.
Specifically, ants prefer flying on days when the temperature is above 13 C, and the rate of wind speed is below 6.3 meters per second. High winds provide excellent air resistance, and it becomes difficult for the ants to fly.
How ants mate during their flight?
Both male and female ants leave their nests and set to fly. During the flight, they find new mates and start mating. The males die soon after mating process and the fertilized females come back to the ground. They return to their nests, or they prefer choosing a new colony. After settling, they give birth to new offspring.
What do flying ants contribute to the environment?
Ants do a lot for us just like they perform soil aeration, which is vital for plant growth. Also, they help to recycle nutrients from the soil. This favour allows enhancement of soil fertility — water and oxygen reach better to the roots of the plant.
Predators always have an eye on them during flying ant day. But they are wise and prefer travelling in colonies. This saves some of the ants secure from predation and be the survivor.
Are they harmful, and should I try and get rid of them?
No, flying ants are not harmful at all as if you see some near you, don't get scared, they won't harm you at all. Let them enjoy their flight and keep on doing your work. They'll leave once they fly off in a few hours.
Conclusion
Flying ants are not harmful and this process is an important part of their life to continue their generation. Moreover, this process also helps us by making the soil more fertile for plant growth. Thus, pay attention towards them.
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