South London and Kent residents could face ant-xiety for at least a month as flying pests swarm towns and cities in a bid to find a mate.
Insect experts have blamed balmy, warm weather for the invasion of winged ants emerging from underground nests.
The hoards of critters are queen ants looking for mates.
Insects will drop the ground and shed their wings after finding a suitor before choosing a new nest site to hatch the next generation.
Worried residents have flocked to social media to express their confusion over the appearance of the ants.
Flying ants own London now
— Owen (@owenoooo) August 2, 2015
I don't what's going on in your part of the world, but it's rockin' here in Kent! It's the day the flying ants hatch! #isitinmyhair
— Patrick Ness (@Patrick_Ness) July 15, 2015
Flying ants everywhere in London, SAVE YOURSELVES!!!!
— Simon Desbruslais (@SDesbruslais) July 31, 2015
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It was once believed that ants swarmed simultaneously over a 24-hour period each year - dubbed flying ant day - but a recent study by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) showed that 'flying ant days' can stretch over a month.
The society has urged people who spot flying ants to give them a buzz, so they can add to their data.
Tweet @RoyalSocBio to report your ant sightings.
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