IT happens every year.

Each summer, flying ants swarm taking us by surprise and cursing that dreaded 'Flying Ant Day'.

Flying ants comprise of new queen ants and male ants that have wings so that they can take to the skies to mate.

They only come out when the weather conditions are right. 

Leading pest control service Merlin Environmental has issued some information and advice about the annual event. 

What is 'Flying Ant Day'? 

Flying ant days occur when black ants take to the wing in order to search for food, water, a new home, and a mate.

Temperatures must be above 13C and wind speeds below 6.3 metres per second for flying ants to emerge.

In the UK, these events most commonly occur in July and August, when the temperature is above 25C.

What do the experts say?

Adam Juson, founder of Merlin Environmental, said: "There are some people lucky enough never to have experienced flying ant day.

"They look at you with bemused expressions, as you speak of being barred from your garden and the enforced closing of your windows on the hottest days of the year. But if you have experienced it, you’ll understand just how unpleasant it can be. 

"The thing is, ‘flying ant day’ isn’t just a single event. It can happen on pretty much any warm, calm day. Any time the conditions are right for the black ant (Lasius Niger) to take flight."

Should you be worried about flying ants?

Flying ants aren’t considered to be dangerous. Black ants do not bite.

Adam said it’s just very unpleasant when you’re caught in a swarm. And, like any other British ant, they can be an almighty headache when they invade your home. 

What can you do to get rid of flying ants?

If you keep your windows shut, or use insect screens, flying ants are unlikely to find their way into your home. They’re just an inconvenience that will keep you out of your garden for a couple of days a year. But if it becomes a great inconvenience, then there are steps you can take to rid yourself of the problem. 

Merlin Environmental issued the following advice:

1. Locate the nest

This is usually pretty easy. Just follow the ants back to where they emerged. 

2. Remove the nest

Unless the ants have made their nest in a movable receptacle, like a plant pot, in most cases, this is going to involve destroying the nest. And there are various methods you can use to do this.

Including the use of insecticidal powder, pouring boiling water on the nest, or spraying soapy water into the nest.

For a friendlier approach, try placing a large plant pot over the nest. In the course of a few weeks, the ants will move their nest into the plant pot, then you can safely relocate it. 

3. Place deterrents and traps by doors and windows

Sticky tape can catch them. Dishes of artificial sweetener mixed with apple juice will kill ants when they take it back to their nest. And they don’t like the smell of herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic. 

4. Don’t attract them

If you leave food out and uncovered, you’re essentially inviting ants into your home. 

5. If ants become a serious problem

Contact your local pest control experts.