Fire ants are a common nuisance, recognized for their aggressive nature and painful stings. Many people wonder if these widespread pests are attracted to sugary foods. This article clarifies fire ants’ dietary habits and how this knowledge informs effective control strategies.
Fire Ants’ Relationship with Sugar
Fire ants consume sugar as a quick energy source. They feed on sugary substances like honeydew (excreted by sap-sucking insects) and plant secretions such as nectar. While sugar provides immediate energy for foraging workers, it lacks the nutritional components necessary for sustained colony development.
Adult fire ants cannot ingest solid food particles larger than two microns, so they primarily consume liquids. For solid foods, workers carry them back to the nest where fourth instar larvae (the oldest larval stage) liquefy them with enzymes. This liquid is then shared among colony members, including the queen, through trophallaxis. Despite their attraction to sweets, sugar alone cannot support the long-term health and growth of a fire ant colony.
Beyond Sugar: Their Primary Diet
Fire ants are omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter. Proteins and fats are their primary nutritional requirements. They prey on insects like caterpillars and grasshoppers, and scavenge on dead animals, including small vertebrates and carrion.
Seeds, especially oil-rich ones, also serve as a food source for fire ants. Proteins and fats are crucial for larval development and the queen’s egg production, which are fundamental for colony growth and health. Without sufficient protein, a colony struggles to grow and thrive. This contrasts with the transient energy from sugary foods, highlighting the complex dietary needs that sustain colonies.
Applying Diet Knowledge for Control
Understanding fire ant dietary preferences is fundamental for effective control, especially when using baits. Since proteins and fats are essential for colony growth and queen reproduction, baits formulated with these nutrients are more effective for long-term colony elimination. These baits often contain an active ingredient dissolved in an oil, such as soybean oil, which acts as an attractant.
Worker ants collect these protein or fat-based bait granules and transport them to the nest. Larvae process the solid bait into a liquid, which is then shared throughout the colony, reaching the queen. The insecticide’s slow action allows time for the toxicant to distribute throughout the colony and reach the queen before workers perish. Targeting the queen is necessary for the colony’s demise, as killing her prevents egg production and leads to collapse within weeks or months.