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Curiosity often leads us down unexpected paths, and one question that has been intriguing minds for quite some time is, can army ants kill humans?
These tiny but mighty creatures have sparked many questions about their potential danger to humans.
They are known for their relentless hunting expeditions, where they form living bridges and devour everything in their path.
However, their focus remains on fulfilling their survival needs rather than causing harm to humans. But given the opportunity, can army ants kill humans?
Generally, army ants do not pose any threat to mobile humans. They are not typically known for attacking humans outright; however, with their strong mandibles and venomous stingers, their bite can be painful and even result in allergic reactions.
What Are Army Ants?
Army ants are a fascinating species of ants that are known for their highly organized and cooperative behavior.
They belong to the subfamily Dorylinae and are primarily found in tropical regions of South America, Africa, and Asia.
These ants are called “army” ants because of their nomadic nature and the way they move in large numbers, resembling an army on the march.
Army ants live in large colonies that can consist of several million individuals. The colony comprises three main groups: queen ants, soldier ants, and worker ants.
Army Ant Queen
The queen ant is the largest colony member and plays a crucial role in reproduction. She is responsible for laying eggs, which will eventually hatch into new members of the colony.
Queen ants have wings and can fly during their mating flights, after which they shed their wings and establish a new colony. In 10 days, a queen can lay between 100,000 to 300,000 eggs.
Soldier Ants
Soldier ants are the defenders of the colony. They have larger heads and jaws compared to worker ants, which they use to protect the colony from predators.
Soldier ants also have powerful mandibles to capture and kill prey. They are typically larger than worker ants and often have specialized adaptations for combat, such as strong exoskeletons.
Worker Ants
Worker ants are the backbone of the colony. They perform various tasks such as foraging for food, caring for the young, and constructing and maintaining the nest. Worker ants are smaller than soldier ants but are highly efficient.
They work together in a coordinated manner, forming long trails as they search for food sources. They communicate using pheromones, chemical signals that allow them to leave trails for other workers to follow.
One of the most remarkable aspects of army ants is their nomadic behavior. Unlike many other ant species with fixed nests, army ants do not have a permanent home.
Instead, they constantly move from one location to another in search of food. This behavior is essential for survival, allowing them to exploit different environmental resources.
The Social Structure And Migration Pattern Of Army Ants
Two distinct phases characterize the social structure and life cycles of army ants. These phases, the stationary phase and the migratory (nomadic) phase, depending on the queen’s ability to produce many eggs in a short period.
As the queen reproduces rapidly, the army ant colony becomes overpopulated in a given area, which in turn triggers the migration of the entire colony.
During the stationary phase, the queen’s abdomen swells to accommodate eggs from 55,000 to 66,000. As these eggs develop and mature into adult ants, tens of thousands of worker ants emerge, marking the transition into the nomadic phase.
Due to the large size of the army ant colony, they must move and find a new location daily. This migration process continues until the “larval pupation” stage begins, when the colony enters a stationary phase.
This cycle then repeats itself. In addition to their migration patterns, army ant colonies exhibit different marching and nesting phases.
During the nomadic phase, the ants march at night and rest during the day. A decrease in available food triggers this phase.
The colony creates temporary nests that are changed every day during this phase. These nomadic marches typically last for approximately 17 days.
Army Ants Predatory Nature
Army ants live in large colonies of millions of individuals and are known for their relentless hunting and foraging behavior.
They are highly organized and coordinate their activities to maximize their chances of success in capturing prey.
Their need for sustenance drives their predatory nature, as army ants primarily feed on other arthropods, such as insects and spiders.
Army ants operate in large, coordinated groups called swarms or raiding parties. These swarms consist of numerous worker ants that work together to overpower and capture their prey.
When on the move, army ants create distinct foraging trails, which pheromones left behind by worker ants mark.
These trails act as guides, enabling the army ants to navigate efficiently through their environment while hunting for prey.
Army ants’ predatory nature extends beyond hunting for food. They are also known for their raiding behavior, invading the nests of other ant species or even termites.
They then plunder the resources of these colonies, including eggs, larvae, and stored food, to support their own colony’s needs.
Army Ant Sting And Venom
When threatened or disturbed, army ants can deliver a painful sting which can cause discomfort and irritation to humans and other animals.
The venom injected through the sting contains various chemical compounds that can induce pain and inflammation.
One of the main components is formic acid, found in many ant species. Formic acid is responsible for the intense burning sensation.
It can cause irritation and inflammation in the affected area, resulting in pain and discomfort.
The venom of army ants serves multiple purposes. It acts as a defense mechanism, deterring predators and intruders from approaching the colony.
It also helps in subduing prey, as army ants are primarily carnivorous and hunt in large groups. The venom contains toxins that can immobilize or paralyze their prey, making it easier for the ants to capture and consume them.
While the venom of army ants is not typically life-threatening to humans, it can cause intense pain and discomfort. Additionally, some individuals more sensitive or allergic to venom can have more severe symptoms.
Getting Rid Of Army Ant Infestation
Dealing with an army ant infestation requires proactive measures to eliminate their presence and prevent further invasion. Here are some effective strategies to consider:
1. Regularly clean your house
One of the first steps in dealing with an ant infestation is to keep your home clean. Army ants are attracted to food sources, so ensuring no crumbs or spills are left behind can help reduce their presence.
Regularly sweep and vacuum your floors, wipe down countertops, and promptly clean up any food or drink spills.
2. Get rid of mulch
Mulch provides a moist and favorable environment for ants to breed and build colonies. Removing mulch in your yard can make it less attractive to army ants and limit their numbers.
3. Keep your yard tidy
Army ants tend to infest yards with hiding places and suitable nesting sites. To be on the safer side, keep your yard well-maintained and free of clutter, and regularly remove any piles of debris, fallen branches, or leaf litter that may attract and harbor army ants.
4. Keep plants pruned
Army ants often use trees and shrubs as pathways to access your home. By regularly pruning your plants and keeping them at a safe distance from your house, you can limit the opportunities for these pests to invade your living space.
It is also important to eliminate any foliage that touches your home, as this creates a bridge for army ants to enter.
5. Use a sugar lure station.
Setting up a sugar lure station can help control army ants by luring them away from your house. Mix sugar and water that will attract the ants.
Place this mixture in a shallow dish or container and position it in an area where you have seen ant activity. Surround the dish with a barrier, such as soapy water or sticky tape, to trap the ants once they access the bait.
Conclusion
Can army ants kill humans? While army ants can inflict painful bites and stings, they are unlikely to kill a human.
These highly organized and aggressive insects primarily prey on other insects and small animals, using their sheer numbers and collective strength to overpower their victims.
While their large colonies and aggressive behavior can be intimidating, humans are not typically on their list of targets.
