Flying Ant Day 2025: Massive Swarms Set to Descend on Liverpool This Summer

Why Liverpool Is Preparing for the Biggest Flying Ant Day in Years

Forget about light rain showers or a brief sunny spell—this summer, Liverpool’s forecast is all about the insects. Cities across the UK see flying ant swarms every June, but 2025 could be on a whole new level for Liverpool. Experts are sounding the alarm about the largest skies-full-of-ants event in recent memory, with residents advised to expect swarming chaos around June 22 to 25.

What’s going on? It’s all about the weather. Pest control pros and entomologists point to a classic British combo: humid weather, frequent rain, spells of heat, and calm winds. That strange mix creates optimum conditions for winged reproductive ants—sometimes called alates—to take their annual nuptial flight. Basically, when temperatures stay above 13°C, and the wind quiets down, ants detect it’s the perfect time for the big mating event.

Rentokil’s teams, who see the fallout every year, say we’re headed into a classic perfect storm. The insects rely on safety in numbers, using synchronized swarming to overwhelm predators such as swifts, starlings, and seagulls. You might see parks, gardens, and even busy streets teeming with ants, with birds swooping through clouds of winged insects trying futilely to eat their fill. According to Paul Blackhurst, a well-known UK biologist, this swarm tactic is nature’s insurance policy: no predator can possibly eat enough ants to put a dent in their numbers.

What to Expect When Ants Take Over the Sky

Here’s how this unfolds: Once ideal conditions hit, millions of ants from dozens of nests suddenly take flight in unison, filling the air, patios, and cars with twitchy, determined insects. The spectacle only lasts a couple of days, but you'll spot them everywhere—from garden fences to local football pitches. Those ants aren’t just out for a joyride: they’re in the middle of a mass mating ritual, pairing up in midair before the males quickly die off. The fertilized queens then drop to the ground, lose their wings, and burrow underground to begin brand new colonies. For the ants, this is a critical moment for species survival—last year’s queens become next year’s moms.

But for Liverpool folks planning barbecues, outdoor concerts, or neighborhood festivals in late June, the reality is a lot less romantic. Past outbreaks have disrupted picnics, kids’ sporting matches, and even weddings. Businesses along the waterfront get ready by taping up windows and setting out sweepers, while event planners often add last-minute backup plans. If you’re squeamish about insects, brace yourself: the scene can be shocking, especially when ants find their way indoors, drawn to bright lights and leftover food.

This wild event is expected to reach its Flying Ant Day peak from June 22 to 25, but the actual date might shift if the weather changes. Either way, Liverpool’s skyline is about to get a lot busier—so keep your ice cream covered, and your patio ready for a new kind of summer guest.