The Truth About Flying Ants: They’re Not Just a Nuisance
Every summer across Ireland, but particularly in Wicklow’s coastal and suburban areas, something strange happens: the skies seem to fill with swarms of flying ants. You’re not imagining things, this phenomenon is known as “Flying Ant Day”, and it’s far more than just an annual curiosity.
Flying ants are often the first visible sign of a larger, hidden infestation.
If you’ve seen a few flying ants indoors, there could be thousands more beneath your floorboards or garden paving.
Why You’re Seeing More Flying Ants?
Wicklow’s mild coastal climate and garden-filled housing estates make it an ideal environment for ants to thrive. Species like the Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger) are extremely common in Ireland and love to set up nests:
- Beneath patios and garden tiles
- Under skirting boards and floor voids
- Inside conservatory walls or sunrooms
- Within walls of poorly ventilated homes
The increase in urban gardening and warmer, wetter Irish summers has led to a surge in ant activity, especially in homes near green spaces or woodland.
How to Get Rid of Flying Ants (And Why DIY Fails)
Google searches like “how to get rid of ants” spike every July across Ireland. People try:
- Boiling water down holes
- Vinegar sprays
- Baking soda traps
- Essential oil diffusers
But these are only surface-level solutions. They might kill a few ants on contact, but they don’t tackle the queen ant, who can live for up to 15 years and produce millions of offspring in her lifetime.
Unless the queen and her entire network are removed, the ants will return, year after year.
That’s where professional ant pest control comes in.
What Professional Ant Pest Control Can Do That You Can’t?
At Wicklow Pest Control, we offer more than just insecticide. Our licensed pest control team uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies tailored to your home or business.
Here’s how we do it:
- Survey – We locate the source of the infestation and identify the species (not all ants are treated the same).
- Targeted Treatment – Using pet- and child-safe solutions, we eliminate the queen and colony from the inside out.
- Long-Term Barrier Protection – We apply invisible, odourless perimeter protection to prevent re-entry.
- Proofing Advice – We guide you on sealing gaps, removing attractants, and preventing future outbreaks.
Are Flying Ants a Sign of Structural Damage?
In some cases, yes.
Ants, especially species like Pharaoh ants or Ghost ants, are known to exploit cracks in walls, damaged insulation, or hidden cavities. If you’re dealing with recurrent infestations, your property may need a structural inspection.
At Wicklow Pest Control, we can advise when to escalate to a building survey or damp treatment if ants are a symptom of a deeper problem.
Flying Ant Season in Wicklow: What the Data Tells Us
Data from Google shows that ant-related searches spike sharply between June and August. In Wicklow, our team has seen:
- A 70% rise in flying ant callouts during the first two weeks of July
- Multiple reports of indoor flying swarms in apartment blocks
- Increased infestations in cafes, schools, and restaurants, especially near gardens
Tips to Prevent Flying Ants (Before Calling a Pro)
- While a full nest needs expert removal, you can take early steps to reduce ant attraction:
- Seal cracks along windows and doors
- Keep food sealed and bins tightly closed
- Trim plants and hedges close to your walls
- Avoid overwatering garden areas with paving or decking
If you spot one or two flying ants indoors, don’t wait for an invasion, that’s the time to act.
Contact Wicklow Pest Control – Fast, Local & Discreet
Whether it’s a residential property in Bray, a school in Greystones, or a restaurant in Wicklow Town, we provide swift, safe, and certified ant pest control services.
- Fully Licensed & Insured
- Locally Based Technicians
- Weekend Callouts Available
- Child & Pet Friendly Treatments
Don’t let flying ants overrun your summer.
Book a free inspection or get expert advice from Wicklow’s trusted pest control specialists.