Every summer, millions of flying ants swarm around the UK, but when will it happen in 2026?
It's a natural phenomenon that occurs when ant colonies release their winged males and queens to mate.
This is usually triggered by warm temperatures, so it can vary across the UK when it happens.
As a result, Flying Ant Day isn't actually a single day, but a small period of time.
Here's when this period is expected to take place in 2026.
When is Flying Ant Day 2026?
Flying Ant Day is expected to occur around mid- or late July, with it usually happening on a hot, humid day (often after heavy rainfall).
It's thought the peak for flying ant day 2026 is between July 20 and 25, Country Living shares.
Since ant swarms are triggered by temperature, ants over a large area can often appear on the same day if conditions are similar across it.
James Ewens, gardening and wildlife expert at Green Feathers, explained: "The annual occurrence is also linked to weather conditions: Flying Ant Day is most likely to take place when the temperature is above 25 degrees Celsius, with low wind, and a chance of rain in the following days."
Due to the warmer temperatures the UK has experienced in June and into July, Flying Ant Day could occur earlier than usual.
Speaking to BBC Newsround, Professor Adam Hart, from the Royal Entomological Society, said: "If we are seeing flying ants a little earlier this year - and I suspect we might - the recent warm weather is certainly a plausible explanation.
"Insects are strongly influenced by temperature, and warmer conditions can accelerate their development and bring important life-cycle events forward."
However, he added that it is important not to jump to conclusions based on a single year.
Flying ant activity can naturally vary from summer to summer, sometimes by days or even weeks.
Do flying ants bite?
The vast majority of flying ants won't be able to bite through human skin, Merlin Environmental shares.
It said: "Both black ants and red ants fly, but only the red ants will hurt humans.
"About 90% of all flying ants in the UK are black ants."
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It continued: "Black flying ants have weak mandibles that can’t bite through human skin, and they do not have a stinger."
Meanwhile, red ants can deliver a painful sting if they feel threatened.
If this happens, you should wash your skin with soap and water to help lower the chance of infection.
The bite or sting should get better in a few days, but if it doesn't, you should speak to a pharmacist or your GP.
Have you noticed swarms of flying ants near you this year? Let us know in the comments.
