Yesterday, heavy rain has brought cooler temperatures to ease the swelter, however, what came along with the rain were flying ants!

Many people in Guangzhou were so scared that they dared not turn on their lights. Seeing big ants flying through the air, some netizens were driven crazy.

In this case, do not open the door and window!

All about the flying ants

Flying ants, also called “大水蚁”（large water ant）by Guangdong people, belong to the termite family. It usually leaves the nest in the evening during sultry weather or heavy rain.

There is a Chinese proverb that says, "a solid dyke can collapse because of an ant hole in it". Owning to the strong destructive power of termites, if flying ants come “knocking” on your doors and windows, do not open them!

The formic acid produced by termites is very corrosive, and can cause irreparable damage to wood, cement, and steel. Contact with the formic acid may also cause an allergic reaction on your skin.

What should I do if the ants fly into my house? !

Here are some tips to help avoid or catch the pesky critters:

1.Flying ants are attracted to bright colors, close the door and windows, and turn off unnecessary lights when they occur.

2.Turn off the main light, and put a basin of water in the room. Then, turn on a flashlight or a lamp shining directly into the water. Attracted by the strong light source, the flying ants will fly into the water one after another. KO!

3.If you are "harassed" by flying ants while watching TV or using a computer, lower the screen brightness as much as possible: flying ants will then be far less attracted by your device’s screen.

4.Do not use insecticide to kill the flying ants. Although treatment with insecticides can kill flying ants, it will also destroy the passageways the termites have burrowed. This method will not eliminate termites, but just push them to open up new channels and cause more damage to property etc.

5.Get professional help. The termites which eat wood are hiding in places you can't see. Termite control generally requires professional pest control via fumigation or other methods.

6.Experts also say that keeping the room clean, dry and ventilated will help to disrupt the reproductive cycle of the termites.

Author: Hannah

Editor: Simon, Steven