Drivers urgently warned to take care as ‘drunk’ seagulls wreak havoc on UK roads amid insect invasion
DRIVERS have been issued an urgent warning to take care as “drunk” seagulls wreak havoc on UK roads amid an insect invasion.
Brits have enjoyed some sweltering temperatures over the past few days but this has caused chaos on the roads thanks to a bizarre reason.
The warm weather, which peaked at 31C in parts of the UK, has led to a growing amount of flying ants being spotted.
A change in temperature encourages ants to fly and breed in mid-air with hungry seagulls gathering to feast on the millions of insects.
But scientists have warned that the pesky ants produce a toxin that causes seagulls dining on them to become “disorientated” and “slightly drunk”.
It can make the birds groggy, triggering more aggressive bickering with each other and a rush of gull roadkill.
Brits have reported the birds waddling into roads where they meet unfortunate ends due to their intoxicated state.
A spokesperson from the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service expressed concern about the situation.
They stated: “Some gulls are eating the many flying ants around and becoming disorientated due to the toxins ants carry.
“We’re getting inundated with road casualty gulls. Please be careful.”
Dr Rebecca Nesbit, from the University of Plymouth, said motorists would likely see odd behaviour from seagulls given the number of flying ants, potentially leaving them “slightly drunk”.
She said: “Some of the odd behaviour we see from gulls could be as a result of eating ants it could leave the gulls slightly drunk.
“We know some ants produce formic acid, and it could be having an effect.”
Pictures usually show seagulls swirling around the large mass of insects in the sky as they fill their bellies.
Many Brits took to X, formerly Twitter, to speak of their own experiences with seagulls suddenly swooping down into the road.
One user said: “Seagulls are drunk on flying ants and going so ape people have been complaining to us at the council all day. As though we can reason with them.”
Another commented: “There’s an abundance of seagulls with lots of squabbling. I’m guessing they’re snacking on the little flying critters.”
Meanwhile, a third remarked: “There are drunk seagulls on flying ant day in Sussex.”
Meanwhile, RSPB expert Tony Whitehead, said seagulls see flying ants as “little treats” for them and go “mad” for them when they emerge.
He added: “Eating ants makes gulls very happy. They are distracted and focusing on eating ants rather than, for example, looking out for cars.”
The black clouds are created by virgin queen ants being followed by male ants hoping to mate.
As the queen sets off, she emits pheromones that attract the males.
But when they follow her she will flee, meaning only the strongest are able to keep up and mate with her.
What are flying ants and how to protect your home from the swarms:
Often referred to as alates, flying ants are fertile male and female ants whose sole purpose is to reproduce and start a new colony.
The most common type of flying ant is the black garden variety (the Lasius niger), whose nests have a single queen and anything from 5,000 to 15,000 workers.
Flying ants are not dangerous insects and are unlikely to bite.
Even though they’re harmless, flying ants are still annoying – but fortunately, there are many household items which can be used to get rid once and for all.
Spraying with dish-washing soap mixed with water can dehydrate the ants.
Asparteme-based sweeter is said to be effective.
Combining this with juice to form a paste means the critters will carry it back to their colony – killing off some of the ant population in the process.
Distributing some insecticidal powder around window and door openings can also prevent the ants from entering your home.
Rentokil also says to clean up after yourself and keep food and rubbish bags sealed tightly.