Brits are on high alert as swarms of flying ants are set to invade homes across the country.

       Shocking images have surfaced all over X showing the pests taking over residences and gardens, but an expert has revealed a simple ￡1 hack to keep them at bay.

       Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress, explained that there’s no specific date for the annual "flying ant day" when millions of these insects take to the skies in search of new homes. This year, the event has left many Brits scrambling for solutions as the ants infiltrate living spaces.

       Bonnett suggests using common household spices like cayenne pepper and cinnamon pepper to deter the insects.

       Dusting these spices around your plants can effectively keep ants away, he advised. Additionally, mint and garlic are also effective as ants "hate the smell."

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       For those looking for an affordable solution, Sainsbury’s offers a 42g jar of cayenne pepper for just ￡1.10, making it an economical option to combat the flying pests. Bonnett also recommends a spray bottle filled with water and white vinegar as an alternative method.

       If that isn't enough, using white vinegar alone, or even a mix of washing up liquid and water, can also help banish the bugs, he advised.

       Carpenter ants, in particular, pose a threat as they can bury their nests inside timber, causing significant damage to wooden structures.

       To prevent ants from entering homes, sealing any cracks or crevices is essential. Rentokil, a pest control company, also recommends using fly screens to keep windows open without inviting pests inside. Flyscreens are available for as little as ￡1 at retailers like Dunelm.

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       Hundreds of Brits took to social media to share their experiences battling against the swarm. Some users joked that the natural event "should be a bank holiday," while others noted that seagulls seemed to be taking advantage of the flying ants.

       Adam Hart, an entomologist from the University of Gloucester, explained that ants get their wings over time and will continue to appear throughout the season.

       "What our study showed was that any time between about the middle of July and the end of August could be a flying ant day," he said. "Sometimes you can have ants flying in your garden weeks after each other."

       Unlike worker ants, flying ants are primarily focused on reproduction.

       They consist of males and future queens that mate while in flight. Afterward, the queens seek out a suitable location, dig into the ground, and aim to establish a new colony.