The Sensitivity of Ants to Smell
Ants have extremely sensitive antennae and can detect scents, both pleasant and unpleasant, from surprisingly long distances. When an ant passes close to an interesting scent-source, air currents carry it closer and the ant stops to investigate. Ants distinguish between scent-types and their spectrum of detection is far more sensitive than humans.
Each ant species has its own combination of proteins, lipids and particular odors. These odorous, attractive compounds are released by ants to catch the attention of their nest mates or to repel other species. For example, some ant species mark their territory with pheromones to warn nest mates and other ant species away.
Ants rely on pheromones, chemicals produced and released by individual ants and groups of ants, to recognize each other and to work together. By releasing pheromones, ants create trails between their nest and food supplies. This trail laying can leave an odor that humans may smell, depending on the species of ant involved and their population size.
Human Perception in Comparison
Humans, on the other hand, cannot typically smell ants unless the population is unusually large or if the species involved exudes a strong pheromone. Even so, humans do not usually perceive ant pheromones as being unpleasant. Instead, when ant odors are researched in scientific settings, humans tend to respond positively to the odors because ant pheromones are usually associated with tropical plants.
In contrast, other molecules from ant bodies can be perceived as unpleasant odors when smelled by humans. The compounds responsible for the smell are produced when the fat in ants break down and mix with water. In general, the smell of ants is mild and/or a matter of preference.
What Do Ants Smell?
Apart from the pheromones they produce, ants smell whatever they walk through, including food particles, other dead or alive insects and even natural chemicals in the soil that humans cannot smell.
Ants typically smell by rubbing their antennae against any object, person or food item they encounter. Ant mandibles also produce a non-secretory chemical substance which can be detected by other ants. Each species of ant produces a different “scent-print” because their chemistry is slightly different.
Ant Smell and the Nervous System
Like other insects, ants smell through their nervous systems. Compounds dissolve in their saliva and their antennae receive the odors. This process triggers certain neurological responses specific to the ant species.
Ants pick up smells and determine their origin. For example, ants may determine whether food is present, whether they are close to their nest or even if an unpleasant predator is nearby.
Can Ants Smell a Food’s Quality?
Yes. They tend to go for food with a high sugar and fat content. This is because the sweet smell of sugar and the strong smell of fat make it easier for them to detect the presence of food.
They can also smell food from a long distance and determine its freshness. Research reveals that ant species can tell the difference between damaged and healthy food with just a sniff.
Do Ants Have a Sense of Taste?
Yes. Though ants don’t have taste buds, they do have specialized protrusions on their feet and mouthparts which allow them to taste the food they encounter.
Besides detecting the food type, the protrusions enable the ants to identify their food’s moisture level and whether the food is edible or not. Ants’ antennae also contain taste sensors to help them identify the food they face.
Ant Smell and Its Impact on Human Life
Ants have a significant impact on human life, including agriculture, environment and health. The chemical exchange between different species of ants plays a vital role in maintaining the balance among them.
The chemical communication helps ants detect predators and food sources in their environment. Ants also play a critical role in controlling and eliminating pests such as cockroaches, flies, and other bugs.
Do Humans Exude an Ant-Detectable Scent?
Humans emit a scent and chemical compounds that can be detected by ants. However, most ants prefer food to humans, so unless you are carrying food, it’s unlikely that ants will swarm around you.
Humans emit different kinds of pheromones and some of them may act as ant repellents that keep us safe from their bites. On the other hand, some pheromones can also attract ants, and scientists suggest that this is why certain individuals seem to attract more ants than others.
Effect of Scent on Insect Repellent Products
Most insect repellent products contain strong smells to deter insects and ants. Manufacturers have found that certain scents, such as peppermint, lemon, and eucalyptus, wards off ants and other insects.
Citrus-scented products are also believed to repel ants, but research has revealed that an insect’s attraction to a scent can depend on different factors, such as climate and environment.
Factors that Attract Ants
Apart from food and pheromones, other factors, such as temperature and humidity, may also attract ants. Ants are attracted to warm and humid places, and they may seek out areas with optimal temperature and moisture levels.
They are also drawn to areas where shelter is easily accessible. For example, an ant may be attracted to an area with plenty of stones, leaf litter, twigs and other objects that can provide it with some sort of protection.
Effect of Weather on Ant Smell
Little is known about the effect of weather or climate on ant smell, but research shows that ants use their sense of smell differently during different parts of the year.
For example, ants may be more active in cool and dry conditions while they become dormant in warm and humid climates to save energy and preserve their colonies.
Can Ants Overcome Artificial Scents?
Yes. Some ant species can overcome the obstacles placed in their path by highly scented artificial substances. For example, Argentine ants, which are highly adaptive, can use their odor detecting skills to forage for food despite the presence of harsh detergents and chemicals.
Scientists believe that ant species eventually evolve their smell receptors to overcome artificial pheromone blockers, which enables them to adapt quickly to their changing environment.
Can Ants Smell Death?
Yes. Experiments have revealed that certain ant species can detect death through their sense of smell. These ants are thought to have evolved special mechanism that helps them identify dead animals or other dead organisms.
The mechanism may also help alert them to potential threats and dangers in their environment. When the smell of death is detected, the ants are enabled to take precautionary measures before they suffer from the same fate.