Bugs in Denmark are causing trouble, as homeowners across the country are currently battling a significant invasion of flying ants, with pest control services reporting a dramatic surge in call-outs due to the summer’s warm weather creating ideal conditions for ants.
Widespread Outbreak of Flying Ants in Danish Homes
Although summer in Denmark typically brings welcome sunshine, many homeowners are finding themselves under siege from flying ants or other bugs in Denmark, this year. In the town of Randers, Jette Præst has been dealing with the unwanted guests for years, but she says this summer has been particularly overwhelming. What started as a minor nuisance has escalated into a full-blown infestation inside her house. Many people agree that it feels like there are more bugs this year than ever before.
Thousands of winged ants have swarmed into her home, covering windows and crawling over surfaces. She’s had to resort to professional pest control services in an attempt to limit their growing numbers. Jette, like many others, now has an active subscription for pest removal services. Regular pest control could become another part of the normal summer life in Denmark.
Pest Control Companies Overwhelmed
Elis, one of Denmark’s largest pest control companies, reports a 20-30% increase in ant-related service calls compared to the same time last year. The company attributes this surge to unusually warm spring and early summer temperatures, which have accelerated ant colony growth and reproduction cycles among bugs in Denmark.
According to Claus Dahl, senior technician at Elis, this season stands out as remarkably intense. The warm and dry weather has created perfect conditions for both ground-based ants and their more troublesome airborne counterparts to multiply and invade buildings.
What Are Flying Ants?
Flying ants are not a separate species but are reproductive males and future queens of typical garden ant colonies. These winged ants appear during what is known as the “nuptial flight”—a short window during which they leave their nests to mate mid-air. Once the ritual is complete, males typically die, and new queens shed their wings to establish colonies elsewhere.
This year, pest control experts have observed numerous instances of these swarming events, which used to be confined to a few days each summer. Now, they’re occurring more frequently and over an extended period, with bugs in Denmark causing worry and disruption for homeowners across the country.
Immediate Responses and Limitations
Claus Dahl recommends simple measures for immediate relief, such as vacuuming visible ants and keeping windows and doors closed. However, he warns that these strategies only go so far, and professional treatment is often necessary, especially when ants have already nested indoors. Indoors, bait containing poison and sugar is deployed to eliminate colonies slowly and effectively. Outdoors, diluted pesticides are used cautiously in targeted areas.
Pest control measures in Denmark must comply with environmental regulations, using substances approved by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency. These treatments are designed to be safe for humans and pets, but they also mean that complete eradication might take more than one visit.
Experts Suggest a Different Perspective
Entomologists are taking a different stance. Joachim Offenberg, an ant researcher from Aarhus University, emphasizes the temporary nature of the problem. He explains that these swarms only occur a few times during summer and last for just a couple of days. He encourages homeowners to view the insects as a fascinating natural phenomenon rather than a persistent threat.
But pest control professionals argue that for many homeowners, the reality of hundreds or thousands of winged insects invading their living space leaves little room for fascination. While some homeowners may try to tolerate the activity, most are seeking immediate action.
Climate Change Likely to Increase Ant Activity
Climate scientists and biologists agree that Denmark will likely experience more frequent and extreme ant infestations in the coming years. As global temperatures continue to rise, ant colonies are expanding into new habitats. Greenhouses, sunlit patios, and modern concrete slabs—which retain heat—are becoming optimal environments for nests.
Researchers also note that mating flights are occurring much earlier in the season compared to previous decades. Whereas they used to happen mainly in late July, these events are now observed as early as June, signaling that insect life cycles are adapting in response to the changing climate.
Frustration Mounts Among Homeowners
Jette Præst remains hopeful each year that she won’t have to deal with a new wave of ants. Despite repeated interventions, the pests manage to return annually, turning summertime into a stressful ordeal. With climate patterns evolving and pest populations increasing, homeowners like her may need to adapt to a new normal in Denmark—where flying ants are a guaranteed part of the season.
