Ants are a common sight in many homes. Their ability to seemingly appear from nowhere and infiltrate food supplies leads many to wonder about their physical capabilities, particularly if they can compromise plastic containers designed to protect goods. Understanding how these tiny insects interact with plastic is important for effective prevention.
Ants’ Chewing Capabilities
Ants possess mandibles, powerful jaws for manipulating objects, processing food, and defense. These mandibles are strong enough to chew through relatively soft materials. While ants don’t chew plastic for sustenance, certain species can gnaw through thin plastic.
For instance, ants like Monomorium indicum and Monomorium destructor have been observed creating holes in plastic packaging to access food. Thin plastic films, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, are particularly vulnerable to ant damage. Thicker, more rigid plastics are more resistant. The mandibles of ants are reinforced with hard metals like zinc and manganese, enhancing their strength and stiffness to penetrate surfaces.
Why Ants Target Plastic Containers
Ants primarily interact with plastic containers when seeking food or water for their survival and colony growth. They possess a remarkable sense of smell, with many odor receptors on their antennae, enabling them to detect even faint food odors through packaging. When a scout ant locates a food source, it lays down a chemical trail of pheromones, guiding other ants to the source. Rather than chewing through solid plastic, ants exploit existing weaknesses like tiny cracks, seams, or thin spots. They may also be attracted to sticky residues or food particles on the exterior of containers, leading them to explore and find a way inside.
Protecting Your Goods from Ants
To protect stored goods from ants, implementing several practical strategies is beneficial. Storing food in truly airtight containers made of glass or thick, hard plastic with secure lids is highly effective, as these materials are difficult for ants to penetrate and prevent odors from escaping. It is important to avoid relying on flimsy snap-and-seal bags, as these are often not pest-proof. Maintaining overall household cleanliness is also important; regularly wiping down countertops, sweeping floors, and promptly cleaning up spills and crumbs removes potential food sources that attract ants. Additionally, disposing of garbage regularly in sealed trash cans and fixing any leaks to eliminate standing water sources can deter ants, as they are attracted to moisture and odors.