Attack Of The Flying Amorous Ants

Dublin has been 'plagued' recently by being witness to swarming flying ants as they indulge in their yearly flights of fancy.

Huge numbers of the common black garden ant, Lasius Niger, have blackened the Dublin skies as they search for a mate.

Triggered by the high humidity and warm weather, the flying ants are worrying some members of the public in case of any danger to them.

However, the species is not venomous, although they are capable of a bite.

The airborne swarms occur when the male and female ants conjugate. Eventually the females drop to the ground and break off their wings before exploring their surroundings searching for a place to nest.

The usual response from humans when they see several ants in their house (usually the kitchen) is to panic and reach for the insecticide powder.

A better method of eradicating ants from the house is to ensure that all food surfaces are clean and free from sugar and sweet substances that may tempt the ants frequently to return for food.

The female will take part in the ritual just once in her lifetime, but will retain sperm in her body, releasing it on an annual basis when she lays fertilised eggs. Over her lifetime she can have between 1,000 and 10,000 offspring.

(DW)