Flying ants could be invading your garden and home soon, but a cheap 85p kitchen ingredient could help deter them. Flying Ant Day 2026 is expected to arrive earlier than usual due to the hot weather, with experts predicting the peak window between 7 July and 20 July.
What is Flying Ant Day?
Although the event doesn't happen over just one day and typically spans several weeks, it's anticipated to arrive even sooner this year thanks to the scorching heat. Experts usually forecast it will kick off during either the second or third week of July, though there can be a surge as late as early August. The spectacle takes place when ants release their winged males and queens to reproduce and establish new colonies. They rely on the swarming strategy to shield themselves from predators.
The 85p Cinnamon Hack
While flying ants do serve a purpose, as they consume other pests, there's a straightforward method to discourage the insects from your garden by scattering one particular item across the grass. The product in question is cinnamon, which can be bought in powder form for as little as 85p at some supermarkets. Diamond Pest Control said: "First of all, if you want to get rid of ants, then cinnamon does appear to work fairly well at deterring them. All you have to do is sprinkle it along their trails. You can also sprinkle cinnamon near to where they emerge from cracks and crevices. There are two reasons why this works. To start with, it's theorised that ants cannot tolerate the smell of cinnamon. Second, when ants inhale this spice, then this causes them to suffocate."
Where to Sprinkle Cinnamon
Beyond the lawn, there are several spots where you can scatter cinnamon if you're looking to deter ants. These include: external windowsills and frames, exterior door thresholds, around air bricks and external vents, patio dining areas, and in and around flower pots. Cinnamon is "the first and most potent remedy for an ant issue," according to essential oil company Edens Garden. They say: "If you're trying to clear an ant infestation, you may find online tips and tricks that recommend placing cinnamon sticks near windows or sprinkling cinnamon near doorways. It's easy to wonder, does cinnamon repel ants? The short answer is yes, it can. Cinnamon has ant-repelling properties. At high concentrations, it is also an insecticide. Finally, cinnamon can interrupt ants' pheromone trail."
What Not to Do
According to Good Housekeeping, there's one thing people absolutely shouldn't do if they spot ants in their home or garden - squash them. While it might seem like the obvious solution, crushing an ant releases a warning pheromone that draws more ants to the spot to investigate. The publication advises that people vacuum them up instead. Adam Juson, founder of Merlin Environmental, told Good Housekeeping: "For 2026, the timing looks set to be earlier than usual. The most statistically likely window for Flying Ant Day 2026 is between 7 July and 20 July, with the peak most often falling in the second or third week of July. Expect flying ants from mid-July, sooner in cities and southern regions, and prepare accordingly." Britain endured a record-shattering heatwave throughout June, with temperatures peaking at 37.7C, and the country is currently experiencing another period of scorching weather.
