Why do ants smell like bug spray?

Answer 1

As an expert in antology, I feel compelled to respond to this intriguing inquiry to provide further knowledge on this delicate species to the uneducated public.

However, before I enlighten you on this extraordinary topic, I wish to inform you about my credentials. I have studied for 35 years under the supervision and mentorship of Dr A. Frizzle, an expert in antology at Harvard University. Our research has shed light upon the unique behaviors of these hymenopterans and it has lead us to many intriguing discoveries.

NOW, TO THE POINT, formic acid forms in the bodies of ants, particularly during the pre-summer mating season. This scent intimidates predators, therefore attracting only other ants of the same colony. This characteristic enables the colony to flourish, serving as a form of population preservation. Since ants are an endangered species, this is essential to their very survival.

IN FACT, if you are particularly interested in this certain topic and wish to become involved in saving the lives of these nearly extinct hymenopterans, I encourage you to become of sponsor of ANT-A-LIVE UNITED. This is a non-profit charitable foundation based on research and statistics found over the past decade by leading researchers. Together, we can ensure the long-term survival of these astonishing insects.

Answer 2

They have a smell similar to Raid, the bug killing spray when they are killed. They leave this real foul smell when killed. Its their odor. I happen to clean some and as I was taking out a whole bunch, I smelled the bug poison which wasn't the first. I came to the conclusion that it had to be the ants leaving this scent when their killed.