Seriously, what the hell is going on? Between the teenage whale wreaking havoc near Castle Island, record-breaking flooding, and coyotes swimming in Boston Harbor, it’s making us wonder if this most recent “incident” is a signal that the end of days is near.
On Monday night around 6:30 pm, we began to receive messages about the swarms of flying ants infiltrating the neighborhood. People’s t-shirts covered with bugs after running or walking the island. Hundreds of bugs filling up screens and windshields. Residents taking out the trash, running for safety to avoid the bugs. Complaints of so many bugs trying to get in mouths and noses! All asking why is this happening, looking for confirmation that they, in fact, are seeing the swarm of flying ants. See below via Reddit.
In addition to our neighborhood, Universal Hub reported that these swarms were spotted in Jamaica Plain, Roslindale and Hyde Park -and we’re guessing all over the city – eeek!
So why is this happening? Well, according to a quick Google search, we uncovered the following – the heat and humidity have kicked off mating season for flying ants.
Meteorologist Dave Epstein posted on social media the following:
Also, the swarms are a phase in the colony when male and female ants leave their nests to breed. The bugs give off a distinct smell, which is picked up by other ants that then join the swarm. Normally, the swarms are around in September, but due to the heat and muggy weather, the bugs have emerged a little earlier than usual.
As quickly they showed up, the swarm left the area and left the rest of our neighbors wondering what the heck everyone on social media was talking about. Hopefully that’s the end of them and things go back to normal where occasionally you have a run-in with a bumble bee.
CIS posted a poll on instagram and 74% said they had in fact had a run in with the swarm! Did you see them? Let us know in the comments below! Stay safe out there! What’s next frogs?
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
Let’s hope those dragonflies don’t come north.
Dragonflies are beneficial to humans, they eat mosquitoes, flies, and other insects.
Hi, I never saw them before. Living in Westport for past 25 years this was the first summenr I saw these creatures in my home, I was invaded for about two weeks. Glad to see the back of them!
Mary