With swarms of flying ants causing mayhem across the UK, many people may be left wondering if they bite.

There are a number of small insects throughout the country that bite and otherwise cause irritation with these including the likes of the infamous miggie.

With 'flying ant season' upon us, here is everything you need to know.

What are flying ants?

Rentokil says: “Often referred to as alates, flying ants are the fertile male and female ants whose sole purpose is to leave the nest to reproduce and start a new colony.

“This happens in the form of swarms where flying ants from multiple colonies conjoin to breed mid-air.”

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How to keep flying ants out of your home this summer

Why are there flying ants everywhere?

The Natural History Museum states that flying ant season is triggered by the weather with these insects only flying on warm days with not-so-windy conditions.

Do flying ants bite people in the UK?

According to Oxfordshire County Council, flying ants do, in fact, bite people in the UK, causing irritation to thousands of residents over the summer months.

The authority states: "Our most common ant, the black garden variety, doesn't sting, but the UK has red, wood and flying ants that do, especially in warm weather or when threatened.

"You'll feel a nip, but it's all pretty harmless as ants have less toxin in their sting than wasps or bees. The only evidence you've been stung will probably be a pale pink mark."

To keep these insects away, the county council recommended the use of repellent to keep them at bay.