So pleased I saw this thread, as I had to check...and yep, loads trying to get in through the open windows (now shut!) in BN3.
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Flying Ant Day
- Thread starter Me and my Monkey
- Start date
- Jul 10, 2003
- 27,766
Just checked compost heaps in BN1 and nothing yet, but a hot still week means that the moment word gets out. It'll be [MENTION=21158]Weststander[/MENTION]'s lot that starts it, it always is 
LamieRobertson
Not awoke
Activity in Bn43
- Apr 5, 2014
- 25,909
I'm hoping that my current situation (in the house, working my way through Covid) means I miss the little buggers. Might keep an eye out for daredevil seagulls swooping down to pick them off the road - hopefully dodging the traffic - then drunkenly flying off again.
I think the drunken seagull story is a bit of a myth. They're talking about formic acid which isn't so highly registered in flying ants. It is potentially toxic, but I think the behaviour is down to frenzied excitement, thus lack of awareness, and basically pigging out.
Just look at the seagulls around some discarded chips and you get the drift.
- Jul 10, 2003
- 27,766
I'm certainly not up with the science, but I do remember years ago on flying ants day, Mrs Wz creeping up through Hangleton valley (don't ask), while I leaned out of the car window, clapping my hands and trying to get the buggers to move. After 60 years being bought up and living in Brighton, I'm fairly confident I know what 'totally smashed' looks like
- Apr 5, 2014
- 25,909
I'm certainly not up with the science, but I do remember years ago on flying ants day, Mrs Wz creeping up through Hangleton valley (don't ask), while I leaned out of the car window, clapping my hands and trying to get the buggers to move. After 60 years being bought up and living in Brighton, I'm fairly confident I know what 'totally smashed' looks like
It's possible, but I think a lot of them just can't contain themselves when these dishes get served up. You should hear the bloody rows that they are having round here after a day out at the buffet.
Weststander
Well-known member
Just checked compost heaps in BN1 and nothing yet, but a hot still week means that the moment word gets out. It'll be [MENTION=21158]Weststander[/MENTION]'s lot that starts it, it always is
Nailed, we have a few.
But a nice attempted distraction. I’m still furious that you introduced the Box hedge caterpillar/moth to this part of the world
- Jul 10, 2003
- 27,766
Nailed, we have a few.
But a nice attempted distraction. I’m still furious that you introduced the Box hedge caterpillar/moth to this part of the world
Tonight's collection
I think we are getting to peak season
Weststander
Well-known member
Reported to RSPCA.
I think it's rather sweet, providing them with a cool bath in this heat.
- Jul 10, 2003
- 27,766
What do you mean ? They are on blinis tonight with a little sour cream and chives
It's what they would have wanted
jakarta
Well-known member
Lots of ground crew erks wandering around Jakarta Towers but havent espied a winged one yet (easily identified, top button undone on his tunic, handlebar moustache and sprinting to scramble...)
Clouds of them an hour or two ago, seagulls and sparrows hoovering them up of the ground when we were out with the hounds.
LamieRobertson
Not awoke
Still a feeding frenzy outside
Weststander
Well-known member
What do you mean ? They are on blinis tonight with a little sour cream and chives
It's what they would have wanted
The gentrification of a former hunt sab. Little wonder that someone in this parish got angry about the nsc bourgeoisie owning …. gardens.