Do Ants Eat Bird Seed?
Ants are among the world’s most dominant land species, outnumbering humans by more than two to one. Although most people generally assume that ants only eat a variety of sweet plant matter, ants are actually quite opportunistic feeders that will consume just about whatever they find. This includes bird seed, which can often be seen scattered around the garden, or on the ground beneath bird feeders.
Ants that live close to sources of human nourishment can be extremely persistent and are rarely discouraged by traditional methods of pest control. As such, it is important to understand the diet habits of ants and how best to control them. So, do ants eat bird seed? The answer is quite simple: yes, they do.
Nutritional Needs of Ants
The diet of ants is incredibly varied, with some ant species possessing nutritional preferences that are markedly different from those of other species. In general, ants need diversity in their diets, already containing proteins and some carbohydrates. The protein is usually sourced from insects and larvae, while many ant species also consume plant matter too.
Bird seed is a good option for ants, as it usually contains a mix of carbohydrates (grains, fibre, etc.), protein, and fats. Depending on the bird seed mixture, the protein should be provided from small seeds (sunflower, millet, sesame, etc.), while the carbohydrates come from grains such as corn, rice and oats. Ants also need the fats and oils found in some bird seed variants, namely sunflower, safflower, and pumpkin.
The Risk of Consuming Bird Seed
Consuming bird seed can be something of a double-edged sword to ants. On one hand, the proteins, carbohydrates and fats found in bird seed match the nutritional needs of ants, particularly when compared to plant matter alone. On the other hand, the size and slipperiness of the bird seed, combined with certain ingredients, can cause ants to choke and die when attempting to consume it.
In addition, many bird seed mixtures contain chemical barriers that can interfere with an ant’s breathing, taste, and digestion. For example, Capselic Acid and other chemical additives are added to many mixtures of bird seed, as they act as a sort of repellent and discourage ants from consuming the seed.
Control Methods
Although ants can technically eat bird seed, it is not the ideal food source for them. As such, the best way to discourage ants from consuming bird seed is to remove it entirely. When remodeling your garden and bird feeding areas, or during regular garden maintenance, it’s a good idea to pick up any loose pieces of bird seed that you find scattered on the ground.
It’s also important to stay proactive with ant control methods. Leaving food scraps around for a long time can attract ants, as is typically associated with developed ecosystems. So, it is important to empty garbage bins, clean up spillages, and wipe away food debris on a regular basis.
What Else Do Ants Eat?
When ants cannot find enough food for their colonies, it is common for a few scouts to go out and search for food. The common misconception is that ants eat small bugs and insects. While this can be true, ants have also been known to eat almost anything of nutritional value, including honey, sugary extracts, fruit, vegetables, and tree sap – just to name a few.
Using Natural Predators
It is possible to use natural predators as an alternative form of pest control. Some ants are preyed upon by birds, ants, and lizards, so setting up bird feeders, or planting shrubbery in the garden to attract lizards, could be beneficial. Additionally, beneficial insects like ladybugs and praying mantises consume a wide variety of other insects, including ants.
Types of Bird Seed Attracting Ants
The most common type of bird seed that attracts ants is black oil sunflower seeds as they contain higher levels of fat and oils. Birds typically scatter this type of seed all over your garden, inadvertently creating a ‘buffet’ for the ants. This isn’t an issue for the birds, who can easily consume the seed, but it can be a problem for ants, as the bird seed is typically too large or too slippery for them to handle.
Legal Implications of Killing Ants
In some areas, it can actually be illegal to kill certain types of ants, as they may be protected species. Before attempting any kind of pest control in a public or residential area, it’s a good idea to research local laws regarding the protection of certain animals. Failure to do so could potentially lead to hefty fines or other unwanted legal problems.
Using Ant Baiting Strategies
As ants can survive on a wide variety of food sources, it’s important to know the different baiting strategies that can be used to effectively (and humanely) remove them from an area or ecosystem. One of the most effective baiting strategies is to set up bait with a protein-rich solution like honey or syrup, which will attract ants. Once the ants have been drawn in, a poison can be added, or the bait can be replaced with something healthier.
Using Natural Barriers
Building a physical barrier is another effective way to stop ants from accessing areas where bird seed is plentiful. The most common barriers are crushed rock, gravel, or even coffee grounds. The barrier should be at least three inches thick and be as wide as possible. When extending the barriers, special attention should be paid to any potential entry points for the ants, such as small holes or cracks in the ground.
Conclusion: Do Ants Eat Bird Seed?
Ants can and do eat bird seed. While it isn’t necessarily their ideal food source, its nutritional makeup can provide them with the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats they need to survive. Therefore, it is important to understand the diet of ants and develop an effective pest control strategy that reduces the likelihood of them accessing bird seed.
