THE recent run of dry, bright weather has sparked a population explosion of black garden ants.
Households all over North East Lincolnshire are reporting plentiful numbers of the creatures, scurrying about as they make themselves busy, stimulated by what they love best - bright sunshine.
The trouble for the ants is that they tend not to be much liked by humans.
Local shops have been unable to keep up with the booming demand for ant-killer powder.
However, being anti-ant is probably a mistake. The variety seen in our gardens and backyards seldom bite and they don't carry viruses (least of all covid-19).
On the contrary, they do good work, killing the harmful larvae of houseflies, bluebottles, mites, sawflies, aphids and other pest species.
They also help to pollinate flowers, while their tunnelling activities help to break down dry and compacted soil
They also perform a valuable function by feeding on organic litter in the street.
They tend to nest near the foundations of houses and bungalows, and it can be a bit unnerving when they venture inside the home - especially if they are seen scampering on or around cake and other sweet food.
The solution is to clear away crumbs and to make sure that foods are securely packaged.
One other tip. They are very partial to syrup, so apparently they can be tempted away from the house by a strategically-located tin of the sweet stuff.
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