Drivers have been warned to keep an eye on the skies for ‘drunken’ seagulls flying in a disorientated state.
Animal rescue organisation, Sompting Wildlife, have urged members of the public to keep an eye on the birds ahead of Flying Ant Day.
The summer phenomenon sees swarms of winged black ants, typically Lasius niger, take flight across lawns across the UK and Ireland to set up new colonies and mate.
They fly in swarms to protect themselves from predators to increase chances of mating, according Natural History Museum.
The event is sparked by hot and humid weather, often taking place in July but can be as late as September for some places.
Although, they are harmless, they can have occasionally an irritating impact, previously interrupting a tennis match between Caroline Wozniacki and Ekaterina Makarova in July 2018.
But seagulls who unfortunately decide to munch on the flying ants are saddled with an unfortunate effect.
According to Sompting Wildlife, the ants release formic acid which cause the birds to become ‘drunk’ or disorientated.
A spokesman for Sompting Wildlife Rescue said: ‘The young ants have started hatching across Sussex and while that’s part of nature’s rhythm, it’s bringing unexpected trouble for our local seagulls.
‘These ants release formic acid as a natural defence. In small amounts, it’s harmless, but when gulls gobble down a feast of ants, it can cause them to appear disoriented or ‘drunk’, stumbling around and struggling to fly properly.
‘This sadly makes them much more vulnerable near roads, as they may not move quickly enough to avoid traffic.’
They have urged anyone who spots a gull acting strangely by the roadside to give them space and allow them a ‘little time to recover’.
‘These gulls can show symptoms that look like bird flu, which raises concerns. But in many cases, they’re not sick at all,’ they added.
The organisation warned to avoid ‘unnecessary action’ such as euthanasia, adding fresh water and rest often helps them back on their feet.