Maidstone: Flying Ant Day comes to county town much to dismay of residents
17:30, 05 August 2016
Don't panic Pokemon Go fans, you haven't slipped into an alternate universe - it's just Flying Ant Day.
Swarms of the bugs have been spotted decorating the pavements of Maidstone today, causing much discomfort for locals.
Flying ants are just regular ants that have grown wings during the mating season.
The recent warm weather is the most likely cause of the plague that has descended, with the critters being spotted in beer gardens, on the streets, and even inside shops and businesses.
The swarms are created by young queen ants leaving their nests to form new colonies.
The males grow wings in order to follow the queen to the new colony.
Once she has mated, the female loses her wings and goes underground to start a new nest.
But there is some good news, the males of the species only live for a day or two. So the infestation shouldn't last long.
Latest news
Features
Most popular
- 1
Boy, 16, found safe after going missing nine days ago
- 2
‘This rat-run bridge isn’t wide enough - someone will be killed soon’
- 3
Only shop in village to shut this week as ‘devastated’ couple leave Kent
17 - 4
A-road shut in both directions after water main bursts
- 5
Mum joined teen son in smashing up ex’s family home and car