How Do Ants Get Attracted to Blood?
WouterUnlike humans, ants do not have blood. But they have an olfactory receptor that picks up the smell of blood. These receptors are also used to detect the smallest traces of odor in the air.
Blood is rich in nutrients and proteins. It contains amino acids, glucose, albumin, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients help ants grow and maintain their fluid balance.
Blood also contains hormones, waste materials, and processed materials. It contains a rich scent that is attractive to ants. When it is fresh, blood has a sweet metallic smell. However, dried blood is less appealing to ants.
Ants do not consume blood in normal household conditions. But they can feed on the blood of dead animals or dead insects. They are also attracted to the decaying dead cells in menstrual blood and in used sanitary napkins. These are also excellent sources of protein and minerals.
Ants are also attracted to salty foods. They can eat the salty minerals in blood. These minerals are essential for ant’s fluid balance. Some ant species have serious salt deficiencies.
Blood is also rich in vitamins. This is because it contains proteins, vitamins, and other minerals. Ants can process and harvest the nutrients from all types of blood.
Some predatory ants can eat human blood. They can also eat the blood of prey. However, ants in salt deficient areas will seek out blood in their habitat. This is because blood contains the nutrients ants need to maintain their fluid balance.
