Scouting Party
Posted by Debbie on June 10, 2003
Q: Do ants have a natural scent? I have little black ants invading my home that have a sweet smell to them.
A: Ants have a variety of secretions that are used in defense, offense, and communication. Crushed ants may smell of formic acid but this is not a sweet odor. Most animals don't like the formic acid and avoid ants although flickers are noted for feeding heavily on them - they must like the taste.
John Wiessinger ( June 10, 2003)
Filed under: Insects