We share our food, warmth, and even homes with ants. And while they seem relatively constant in our lives, most of us don't seem to know much about these invaders. For instance, did you know that ants are attracted to blood? It turns out that these little critters are shockingly close to humans in more intriguing ways than you can imagine.
Predatory ants are indeed capable of smelling human blood around them. That's because they have olfactory receptors, also known as smell receptors, capable of detecting even the slightest odor molecules in the air.
Why Are Ants Attracted To Blood?
Ants are actually more attracted to fresh blood than blood that has stayed in the open for a long and dried. These blood-thirsty critters collect a significant amount of minerals from human blood that help them achieve body fluid stability.
Human blood is also an excellent source of nutrients required by insects, for instance, mosquitoes, for optimal egg production and development.
But, perhaps one of the main reasons ants are attracted to blood is because the proteins in our blood release a 'coppery' odor that ants consider pleasant.
Maybe you are wondering, are ants attracted to period blood? The most important thing to note is that these creepy insects will feed on anything that contains loads of nutrients, including period blood.
It is not uncommon to find ants feeding on decaying and decomposing period blood as long as they can access it! But ants are not restricted to human blood alone; you can also find them feeding on animal blood if it contains the kind of nutrients they crave.
Ants that live in places with a lack of salt, for instance, in the mountains, can easily be drawn out of their hiding using blood. A study found that some ant species suffer serious salt deficiencies and get wildly attracted to blood droppings thanks to their high salt content.
Note that ants need salt for the optimal functioning of their body's muscles and nerves. Therefore, they will have a strong urge to crawl out of hiding and eat any blood available in their habitat.
Do Ants Eat Blood?
Ants eat blood. But not because they like its taste; instead, they consume it for its nutritional value. In fact, ants are more attracted to freshly spilled blood as it is rich in the proteins and minerals that they need.
The sweet metallic smell of fresh blood is also much more appealing to ants, unlike blood that has stayed in the open for an extended period and dried out.
Please note that ants are unlikely to eat blood when living in normal household conditions. Actually, ants are not attracted to blood in such an environment. That's because they typically get all the proteins, nutrients, and salts from the readily available foods in your kitchen.
Carnivorous ant species, like army ants, are especially attracted to dead animals with blood spillages. They attack in massive colonies and eat big chunks of flesh from the prey. And as more blood flows to the ground, it attracts other large numbers of ants.
Perhaps your dustin is often filled with blood-stained waste or sanitary towels? The high chances are that you're constantly having ant infestations in your home. That's because, in the same way, fresh blood attracts ants, odor from decomposing or rotting blood draws them to the source.
Are Ants Attracted To Period Blood?
Like any other blood, period blood also contains sodium, which is critical for many ant physiological functions like balancing body fluids. Ants are also attracted to decomposing matter. Once period blood is released, it immediately starts decomposing. The decaying odor emitted attracts ants.
In addition, period blood, straight from the body, is still very warm. Ants' olfactory receptors can pick the smell of fresh period blood. And they are also enticed by the foul smell released by the decaying dead cells in the used sanitary napkins.
As period blood dries, it tends to form chunks of blood clots that species like army ants like to feed on. Period blood is very harmless and nontoxic to ants. It doesn't have any adverse effects on their health. Instead, it provides them with much-needed nutrients.
How To Keep Ants Away From Period Blood?
Ants are naturally attracted to period blood. But you can effectively keep them away by using scented sanitary pads. These annoying pests can't tolerate the nice smell emitted by perfumes. Therefore, you can use this weakness to your advantage and destruct the nasty little critters!
Secondly, you'll want to ensure that used sanitary pads are properly wrapped and discarded in a closed dustbin.
Interesting Things You Probably Didn't Know About Ants And Blood
Ants Are Not Attracted To Diabetic Blood More Than Non-diabetic Blood
Both diabetic and non-diabetic blood contains significant amounts of proteins and minerals that ants need. Ants are attracted to blood, and they will gladly feed on any blood spillages, regardless of their sugar levels.
Ants Do Not Prefer Period Blood
Just because ants are attracted to period blood doesn't mean they prefer it over venous blood from other body parts. And no, ants are also not solely attracted to period blood from diabetic patients.
Consider using perfumed sanitary towels and ensure they are well wrapped and discarded in a dustbin with a lid to keep ants and other bugs away.
Period Blood Can Attract Ants To Your Bed
A misconception has it that period blood attracts bed bugs. Note that although bed bugs are bloodsuckers, they will not infest your bed simply because you are on your period. However, period blood can attract ants into your bed. Therefore you need to ensure maximum hygiene and be cautious when camping or sleeping outside.
Ants Do Not Have Red Blood
unlike other animals that have red blood, ants have a fluid known as hemolymph. Because ants do not have red blood cells, hemolymph usually has a green or yellow color. It plays a similar role as blood, circulating an ant's entire body.
When you squish an ant, its body fluids produce an odor that attracts other ants, signaling them of potential danger.
Conclusion
Ants are attracted to blood because it is a rich source of nutrients required for optimal body functioning. But you won't see them being attracted to blood drops in normal household conditions. That's because the varieties of foods readily available provide most of the salts, proteins, and nutrients that they need.
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