Taken from Lynne’s weekly column ‘Green Scene’ for the Western Mail
12th July 2025
Up, Up Ant Away
Whilst kneeling on an ant’s nest last week – in shorts – and watching them stream over my legs and the lawn, I was reminded that we are nearing Flying Ant Day. Despite still being referred to as a single ‘day’ it’s actually more of a mini-season and can last for several weeks with several peaks during July and early August.
Scientists refer to the phenomenon as ‘Nuptual Day’, when the flying ants emerge en mass when a new queen is ready to start her own colony and leaves the nest accompanied by thousands of hopeful males. The annual ‘royal’ event is also linked to weather conditions and most likely to take place when the temperature is above 25 degrees, with little wind and a chance of rain in the following days. Although some say the swarming is triggered after rain and in warm, humid conditions.
We tend to start seeing the emergence of flying ants around the middle of July, but often the first wave appears during Wimbledon. As unnerving (or exciting) as it may be to see so many flying ants take to the sky, they are harmless to humans and beneficial to birds, providing an ‘all you can eat buffet’.
Ants (flying or otherwise) are actually beneficial to the garden – although I don’t recommend kneeling on a nest – as they start a new colony they aerate the soil, recycle nutrients, and are also natural pest controllers, keeping aphids at bay. They will also break down dead small animals, which never ceases to make me shudder to be honest. I recently found a small dead bird that was riddled with ants and wasps – yes, wasps are carnivores too, or technically omnivores.
Bitey Beggars
Earlier this year I remember commenting on the lack of wasps, including last year, but, boy, have they made up for it since then. And they seem to be more annoying, intent on causing a confrontation. Like all insects, wasp populations will naturally vary from year to year with warm, dry weather leading to increased wasp activity, while colder, wetter conditions can hinder their development.
A quieter wasp season in 2024 seems to have been followed by a more active one in 2025, as the population rebounds. Apparently, the wasp population in Britain had risen dramatically since 2017 with warmer, drier conditions being cited as the reason.
Wasps start to construct their nests in spring and tend to build and expand until August when theoretically they stop building, as their nests are large enough to stand a chance of surviving winter. With a lack of work and increase in ripe fruit happening at the same time, the wasps then go on a bender during late summer and that’s when they get lairy and argumentative.
Other bitey things that punch above their weight at this time of year are the tiny ‘flower bugs’, which are only twice the size of a full stop. They must be 90% teeth as the bite they inflict is not unlike a horsefly – don’t even get me started on those clowns. From the family that include sand flies and midges, and also called ‘no-see-ums’, for obvious reasons, the flower bugs don’t seem to have any reason for biting other than attention seeking. They are particularly active on warm afternoons and seem to prefer slightly sweaty people. Some people react more to the bite than others and may itch or swell slightly.
My brother expressed his surprise at me being bitten at all, adding, “I thought you’d be too bitter for them … “
Skin-So-Soft definitely helps to deter these tiny tyrants (flower bugs, not belligerent brothers) but you have to remember to apply it.
Matcha-Maker
I’ve recently swapped out my daily coffee for Matcha tea. Various brands make various claims about the health benefits but I can honestly say (or write) that I have found a much appreciated increase in energy and clarity since my swap, and whilst you can drink it hot or cold, in these recent ‘testing temperatures’ iced Matcha has been my new mate.
Described as a ‘special, powerful form of green tea’, Matcha comes from the same plant but is grown and prepared very differently. The leaves are ground into powder, so you consume the whole leaf with various health benefits, including ‘enhanced cognitive function, cardio-metabolic health, and anti-tumorogenesis’. Randomized clinical trials (RCT) have shown that Matcha decreases stress, slightly enhances attention and memory, but has no effect on mood. To be honest, decreased stress levels and increased memory and clarity puts me in a better mood anyway.
There are lots of different brands and varieties to choose from but I have found Matcha Fuel’s Zenergy to be the best. It is delicious made with water – I find a milky option too filing – and contains lots of ‘goodies’ to help reduce inflammation (my nemesis) as well. Matcha Fuel also do a chocolate option but I like the ‘original’ flavour as it doesn’t taste as bitter as some Matcha teas.
And I hasten to add, as always, I am not on any incentive to tell you about my favourite finds. But I go to a lot of time and trouble (and unfortunately expense) to find things that ‘work’ so it’s just nice to share those finds with you.
‘Kin Brilliant Socks
Another of those ‘ fab finds’ is or are Kintoes – socks with toes.
When I first started my barefoot exploration I wore Vibram Fivefingers, which are barefoot shoes with toes. They were lovely and comfy, kept my soles safe and proved to be great conversation starters. A lot of people find it uncomfortable and ‘odd’ to have their toes separated in shoes but it is so much more comfy once you get used to it and much better for your foot health too.
This year I have struggled more than ever with my feet as they are either in steel toe-capped boots, barefoot trainers or hiking boots, and protest painfully about being restrained. I think they really got used to being ‘out and proud’ and they definitely changed shape and size as a result of all the barefoot training I did. Since going back to more traditional work – and dry stone walling – and therefore ‘safety’, my toes have been rubbing against each other and I have had blisters, corns and weird sore spots. It makes me really grumpy so I have been trying all sorts of different footwear, to no real avail.
And then someone suggested I try changing socks.
I was hugely sceptical about toe socks offering any respite from my ‘toe traumas’ but, lo and behold, after wearing Kintoes for just one day I went home and ordered several more pairs.
I’m not sure all toe socks are created equal. I did a lot of research before I ‘added to basket’ and that’s why I like saving you the bother of disappointment and returns. So I’m pleased to report that my Kintoes are comfy in steel toe-caps, trainers and walking boots, and my feet are now ‘happy feet’.
Another fascinating read. My brother is being bothered with flying ants at the moment and asked me if they are ordinary ants that grow wings. I really don’t know, but your article helped my to understand why flying ants swarm.
Not tried Matcha tea yet, but will give it a go. I like good green tea and also Chai.
Enjoy as much shade as you can. C