Flying ants have survived since the Jurassic period, but 2024's swarm could be the most intense yet due to climate change.

Rahul Somvanshi

Those winged insects aren't different species - they're regular black garden ants ready for their once-a-year mating ritual.

Photo Credit: JvL  (CC BY 2.0)

Peak flying ant period predicted for July 22-25, with urban areas seeing swarms even earlier this year.

Photo Credit: Patrick_K59 (CC-by-2.0)

Climate crisis creates perfect storm - alternating warm and wet conditions trigger massive simultaneous emergences.

Photo Credit: Jens Buurgaard Nielsen (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Expert warns "tens of millions" will take to skies in swarms large enough to disrupt outdoor events like Wimbledon did in 2018.

Photo Credit: Dave Parker (CC BY 3.0)

Male ants die immediately after mid-air mating while fertilized queens chew off their own wings to start egg-laying.

Photo Source: Egor Kamelev (Pexels)

Synchronized swarming overwhelms predators but creates temporary chaos for humans caught in the aerial frenzy.

Photo Credit: Egor Kamelev (Pexels)

Flying ant "day" actually spans several weeks, with multiple colonies coordinating their nuptial flights.

Photo Credit: Derek Keats (CC-BY-2.0.)

Keep doors, windows, and mouths shut during peak periods - these protein-rich insects attract hungry birds everywhere.

Photo Source: Discott (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Black garden ants improve soil quality through tunneling and provide crucial food sources for birds and butterflies.

Photo Credit: Derek Keats (CC-BY-2.0.)

Early emergence threatens to disrupt summer outdoor activities as swarms arrive when people spend more time outside.

Photo Credit: Bill & Mark Bell (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Ancient survival strategy meets modern climate chaos - creating flying ant seasons longer and more unpredictable than ever.

Photo Credit: Bill & Mark Bell (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)