Ants are not boring creatures. In fact, ants are by far one of the most interesting insects in the world.
Naturally, no one wants these intriguing little bugs in their home, and while they are fascinating, you have our permission to exterminate when needed.
However, learning some facts and wild trivia about ants is part of the fun, and at Power Pest Control, we love to share what we know with our customers.
10 Crazy Facts About Ants from Your Local Ant Exterminator in Toronto
1. Ants Are Old – Like Super Old
Scientists believe that ants came around the mid-Cretaceous period, which is an impressive 110 to 130 million years ago.
So, while humans have occupied the Earth for approximately 200,000 years, ants were technically here first.
2. Ants are Almost Humans
Two species on the planet know how to domesticate other species: humans and ants. In fact, there are 14 species of ants that can enslave others to do their dirty work.
3. Ants Can Commit Suicide
Not by choice, though. Ants, if they lose their pheromone trace, will start roaming in a continuous spiral and they will continue to do so until they die. It is known as the “ant mill” phenomenon.
4. Carpenter Ants Can Explode at Will
Carpenter ants, depending on the species, can contract, and rupture internal organs to create a corrosive immobilizing glue. The ant, naturally, dies in the process.
5. Ants are Experts of War
If you think humans have it all figured out about combat, you should watch ants in action. They have reconnaissance missions, send expendable soldiers to the front line, and they conquer territories.
6. Ants are Incredibly Strong
An ant can carry three times their body weight.
While they aren’t the strongest insect, they also can dangle while holding 100 times their weight.
7. Carpenter Ants Can Turn into Zombies
Carpenter ants, fire ants, and even pavement ants may soon meet their match.
A parasitic fungus can manipulate their brains and create a mind controlling chemical. The fungus takes control and forces the ant to climb vegetation and clamp down.
Once dead, a spore stalk grows from the ant, waiting for other ants to eat and catch the fungus, too.
8. Ants Mate in the Air
Pavement ants mate in the spring, but not on the ground.
Instead, the males fly into the air with the queen to mate.
9. Carpenter Ants are Delicious
Well, in some parts of the world. Australia, for example, dines on carpenter ants and early lumbermen of Maine ate them to prevent scurvy.
10. Ants are Just as Common as Humans (Actually More So)
There are 7 billion human beings in the world, but ants outweigh people in biomass by 500 million.
While we can’t share recipes for eating ants or convince your ant infestation to turn into zombies, Power Pest Control can offer expert ant removal in Toronto.
Call us today at 647-708-7378 to schedule a consultation.
