Thunder bugs invading gardens amid muggy weather - how to get rid of the pests
Brits are set to enjoy a warm weekend with temperatures expected to exceed 30C in parts of the country today - but forecasters have also warned of the risk of storms due to hot weather conditions.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms covering most of Britain from 9am until midnight on Sunday.
Brits have been warned that heavy showers and thunderstorms could cause damage to some buildings due to floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
Another warning covers all of Northern Ireland from 10am until 9pm on Sunday, with flooding and travel disruption likely in the region, forecasters said.
Warm temperatures also bring with them a rise in the number of insects in our gardens, with muggy weather particularly attracting thunder bugs, Bristol Live reports.
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Warm temperatures are forecast this weekend (Alamy Live News.)The little black bugs, which grow to be no longer than a couple of millimetres, seem to all of a sudden appear everywhere - and are particularly attracted to flowers as they are drawn to bright colours.
They often go into the buds to feed and then reproduce, spreading in big numbers across gardens.
Some species can bite, but most of them are harmless and just affect plans. To see if thunder bugs have been on your plants, check if you can see any silver patches or black dots.
Another sign that the bugs may have attacked your plant is if you see new growth becoming brown, curling and looking distorted.
The creepy crawlies are called thunder bugs as they appear in hot weather, after migrating from cereal crops.
They tend to appear when thunderstorms are due but usually, this is really a coincidence and a matter of them being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
To avoid the bugs going onto your flowers, you could opt to place brightly coloured sticky cards around your garden so that they can see them.
If you hang some sticky cards over outdoor furniture or sturdy plants, the insects will be attracted to them.
According to goodgardn.co.uk, another way to get rid of thunder bags is to shake branches so that they will fall out - and then catch the bugs by placing a cloth underneath your tree or plant.
Other options are using biological control, removing weeds from your garden, as well as pruning and watering your plants regularly.
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The Met Office said: "Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected on Saturday, during the morning mainly over parts of England before becoming mainly focused over northern England and Scotland by late afternoon/evening.
"Some intense downpours are likely and whilst rainfall accumulations will vary from place to place, as much as 50 mm of rain could fall in a short space of time in some locations. Hail, lightning and gusty winds will be additional hazards."
The Met Office has issued a 48-hour heat alert covering the UK this weekend. The forecasters and UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), are warning Brits to stay safe in the sun over the next few days.
While the heat burst could be shortlived, vulnerable Brits could suffer some serious health consequences.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris said a plume of "very warm air" would prompt the heat surge. The six regions covered by the warning include London, South East, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England and Yorkshire and the Humber.
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today:
Another hot day in the east, but rain and thunderstorms spreading across many areas for a time, especially in the north and east during the afternoon. Windy in the northwest. Feeling fresher from the southwest later.
Tonight:
Heavy showers, carrying a risk of hail and thunder, will gradually ease, although a continued risk of rain across Scotland. Clearer skies elsewhere, and feeling cooler than previous nights.
Sunday:
Rain across Scotland easing and a bright start elsewhere. Showers developing into the afternoon, often heavy and thundery. Feeling fresher than Saturday with lighter winds.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
Remaining unsettled into next week with a risk of heavy showers and perhaps the odd rumble of thunder. Sunny spells in between and temperatures close to the seasonal average.
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