Flying ants have invaded Ireland and people are NOT happy
If you happened to step outside at any stage over the weekend, you might have noticed an abundance of tiny flying creatures around the place.
These are not just any bog standard flies, either. They're flying ants, with thick wings and a tendency to smack directly into your arm or face if you walk in their path. Shudder.
So many flying ants around today! pic.twitter.com/eyyziAXJrS
— Ciara Knight (@Ciara_Knight) August 9, 2015
What you might not have known though, is that this manky fly invasion is in fact a yearly phenomenon that has been dubbed "flying ant day." Although it generally lasts more than just one day, it does occur around the same time every summer, when ants have their mating season.
At this time, ants sprout wings and leave their colonies to find new homes in other areas. Afterwards, the females shed their wings and the males die off. It's call "nuptial flight," and us pesky humans are getting in the way.
While the flying ant invasion should be all over by tomorrow, people are still taking to Twitter in their droves to try and find out WTF is going on.
Some of us are feeling welcoming…
I, for one, would like to welcome our new flying ants overlords. #insects
— Colm Hewson (@colmhewson) August 9, 2015
Others are terrified…
Was just taking washing in when I looked up to see 100's of KILLER (flying) ANTS!!! too scared to go back out #antknickers
— Jenny Kelly D'Arcy (@cupidkelly) August 9, 2015
While some just want to be able to go for a walk in peace, for God's sake.
Crying on a walk because of flying ants is always fun
— kimbo (@kimberleyHill1) August 9, 2015
I want to go for a walk, but flying ants and loneliness.
— shin (@NaiAnything_) August 10, 2015
It's not all bad news, though…
You can guarantee tomorrow someone will use flying ants as a reason they can't get to work. #fb
— Simon Palmer (@SimonPRepublic) August 9, 2015
Unless you're a flying ant, that is.
Seagulls in town going into full velociraptor mode this morning after the flying ants. Clever p.r. exercise on their behalf. #flyingantday
— collie ennis (@collieennis) August 10, 2015
If they don't go soon we'll have to resort to desperate measures:
Apart from a flamethrower does anyone know how to stop being swarmed by flying ants when out dog walking ????????
— The Dog-Father (@hellavno) August 9, 2015
Just let us be!
