Thousands of pesky critters have invaded the UK on what is undoubtedly Flying Ant Day 2024.
The phenomenon seen in London and elsewhere over the last 24 hours refers to specific days during the summer when the frisky fiends take to the skies in search of a mate.
It usually takes place around mid-July when the young queens set-up with a new group. Although there is no specific date, the event is often dictated by weather conditions, meaning it varies across the UK.
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A flurry of videos and pictures were uploaded to social media yesterday.
(Image: Getty Images)
On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote: “Flying ant day all over the country. How the f**k do they know? Nobody f*****g knows. Madness.”
Another added: “Yes it’s definitely a thing and it’s today #FlyingAntDay and they’re everywhere. Today makes, new queens and lots if randy ants leave their nests to mate and begin new colonies. Have fun little flying ants, go forth and multiply but pls leave me alone and stay out of my house thank you.”
One person shared a poster which offered helpful advice on what to do which read: “Keep your mouth, eyes, nose and ears closed at all times, don’t wear any clothing made entirely of sugar, don’t dress as an ant in case you receive any unwelcome romantic attention and find the nearest zorb and stay inside until August.”
While one person wrote: “Why did noone tell me about flying ant day in the UK? I thought this was that plague they talked about in the Bible. I was attacked! HELP!”
For anyone with a fear of insects, the terrifying annual event is reason enough to stay home – with your windows and doors securely locked.
But not everyone was lucky enough to avoid the swamping bugs, with some claiming they were “done in” by the creepy crawlies.
Taking to X to vent their frustrations, one user said: “Just in case the world didn’t feel apocalyptic enough, swarms of flying ants have descended on the City of London”
Their swarms are so big, last year they were picked up on a weather radar on the UK’s south coast.
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