Flying Ant Day is upon us again. While the event doesn't take place over one single day, and generally lasts several weeks, it is expected to happen even earlier this year due to the sweltering temperatures.
Experts normally predict it will begin in either the second or third weeks of July, but there can be a wave as late as early August. The phenomenon occurs when ants release their winged males and queens to mate and start new colonies. They use the swarming tactic to protect themselves from predators.
Simple and Cheap Deterrent
While they are not without their use, as they eat other pests, there is a simple way to deter the insects from your garden by sprinkling one specific item on the grass. What's more, the hack is backed by experts and can cost less than £1 - with many people likely already owning the ingredient in their kitchens.
The product in question is cinnamon, which can be purchased in powder form for as little as 85p in some supermarkets.
Why Cinnamon Works
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
As well as the grass, there are a number of places you can sprinkle the cinnamon if you want to keep ants away. They include: the 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," essential oil company Edens Garden claims. 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 is one thing that people should absolutely not do if you catch the ants in your home or garden - squash them. While it might be tempting, squashing an ant releases a warning pheromone that attracts more ants to the area to investigate. The publication recommends 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."
The UK experienced a record-breaking heatwave in June with a top temperature of 37.7C and the nation is in the midst of another hot spell.
