Creepy-crawlies really come out of the woodwork in summer, don't they?

Well now there's another to add to the mix - the Lasius neglectus, otherwise known as 'electric' ants (thanks to their tendency to gather round wires and electricity boxes).

Apparently, large numbers of these ants have been making their way into the country as the weather warms up - by hitching a ride in pot plants.

They are said to have a painful sting and are known to congregate in areas with electricity cables, as they enjoy chewing through them with their mandibles, similar to pincers. They've even been known to cause short-cuts, leading to blackouts and even fires.

WHAT ARE ASIAN 'SUPER ANTS'?

:: The species was first identified in Budapest, Hungary in 1990 and first found in the UK in 2009.

:: They are known to form super colonies that can be up to 35,500-strong, and build nests in shallow areas or in electricity pylons.

:: Many have entered the UK recently through potted plants.

:: Once they work their way into a garden or shed, they can be tricky to get rid of; being known to be resistant to many treatments used for regular garden ants.

:: Due to their very painful bite, experts advise staying away from the colonies, and seeking help if looking to exterminate them.

:: Professor Jacobus Boomsma from the University of Copenhagen, who co-discovered the species, warns "they are similar in appearance to the common black ant", and says it can be easy to mistake them for their less invasive cousin if they are seen as a few stray ants away from the nest. However, the size of their super colonies marks them out as a separate species.

:: Aphid bugs are known to boom when the ants move into an area, due to their symbiotic relationship. The aphids provide sugary food for the ants, and the ants offer protection from predators for the aphids. The drastic increase in aphid herds leads to even further trouble for local wildlife, as they damage plants and release secretions that are a nuisance to clean.

HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM

If you spot a suspected 'super ant' colony, here's what the experts suggest:

:: Do not touch the ants to aggravate them.

:: Do not try to remove swarms yourself.

:: Do stay away from the colonies, as the ants are known to have a painful bite.

:: Do check your pot plans before bringing them into your home or garden.

:: Do teach children to keep clear of large colonies of ants.

:: Do restrain pets from the possible locations of colonies.

:: Do contact Rentokil (www.rentokil.co.uk) if you think you have seen a colony of super ants.