Active Now

Spunky
Discussion » Questions » Environment » I’ve just settled down in the back patio to enjoy my sandwich (smoked ham on wheat with Miracle Whip salad dressing), when this poll
Randy D

I’ve just settled down in the back patio to enjoy my sandwich (smoked ham on wheat with Miracle Whip salad dressing), when this poll

question occurred to me: if and when you eat and/or drink in an outdoors setting at your residence, how soon before the ants ascend on your food or beverage?

a. Under five minutes
b. More than five minutes
c. Other answer


~

Posted - February 28, 2021
Tags : None

Responses


  • 10664
    C.  Depends on time of year and your location.

    Ants hibernate in the winter, so in colder climates they haven't emerged yet.

    If they are out in your area, it will depend on the type of ant.  Bigger ants are slower, thus it will take them longer to descend on you (8-10 minutes).  Smaller ants are quick ants will be up your pant leg with in 2-3 minutes. 

    Note: ants have communal memories, that is memories are passed down from one generation to the next.  So if you've ever harmed, irritated or killed an ant anytime in your life, the ants will remember this.  So when they come, they may not only want your food....they may want revenge.  (and since revenge is sweet, it will attract other ants....)
      February 28, 2021 2:16 PM MST
    1

  • 53526

     

      Cut and paste excerpt from the original question: “ . . . if and when you eat and/or drink in an outdoors setting at YOUR residence . . . ”



    ~

      February 28, 2021 3:18 PM MST
    2

  • 10664
    Are you hinting that I should put on my glasses?


      February 28, 2021 5:02 PM MST
    0

  • 8214
    Under 5 minutes, in fact they are already sending scouts into my kitchen checkin it out. 
      February 28, 2021 2:25 PM MST
    3

  • 6477
    I adore ants.. and they aren't a problem here.. wasps now those are nasty
      February 28, 2021 3:10 PM MST
    2

  • 53526


    That was not the question, you know. 

    :(

      February 28, 2021 3:35 PM MST
    2

  • 6477
    I know.. I do like to be perverse! And besides we don't get ants troubling us when we have food here.. it's wasps/yellow-jackets 
      February 28, 2021 3:58 PM MST
    1

  • 11096
    This time of year, about 12 weeks.
      February 28, 2021 3:49 PM MST
    2

  • 53526

      

      I know, right?
    ~

      February 28, 2021 4:11 PM MST
    1

  • 44652
    Other. Ants don't seem to bother with me outdoors. That's because they are indoors eating the cat food. Flys are a pain, though. Isn't Miracle Whip just mayo with a few extra ingredients?

      February 28, 2021 4:03 PM MST
    1

  • 3719
    I don't recall ever being troubled by ants trying to pinch my lunch.

    It's usually wasps, instead.
      May 26, 2021 3:48 PM MDT
    0