If you find ants in your hamster’s cage, it should be a concern to you. Especially if it is a large army of ants. Your first reaction will be whether your hamsters will eat the ants or the ants will bite your hamsters.
This article will look into how safe it is for your hamsters to eat ants and if they should be served as food for your hamsters.
Here’s If Hamsters Can Eat Ants
Hamsters can eat ants because they serve as a source of protein for your hamster. It is also rich in iron, copper, fat, and sodium. Ants should only be given to hamsters as a treat. Some ants contain formic acid which is a danger to your hamsters.
Different Types Of Ants You Should Know
Ants come in different shapes and sizes. If you live in the Western United States, we found the common ants you see in and around your home.
Here is the list of the ants commonly seen as pests :
- Argentine Ant
These ants follow food trails and are very difficult to detect. They like sweet food. They also eat live and dead insects. In addition, they also feed on meat and dead fruit.
- Carpenter Ant
The carpenter ants rarely come in contact with humans. They hunt for their food during the night. They also look for their food in the early mornings during summer or spring. They feed on sweet things, grease and meat. They do not sting.
- Fire Ant
Fire ants are found in mounds up to 40 meters high. They are also found on the ground under big logs. Fire ants mainly tend to destroy agricultural crops. They have a very powerful sting.
- Pharaoh’s Ant
Pharaoh’s ant feed on meat and a dead insect. They like to live in humid conditions. They have also been found in hospitals.
- Sugar Ant
The sugar ants are found in kitchens and bathrooms. They feed on sweet things found in the kitchen. They also thrive in rich moisture environments, Foods like honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup are what they will get attracted towards.
- Thief Ant
Thief ants are found under debris or object on the ground. They feed on bread, nuts, animal fats, and other dairy products.
- Harvester Ant
Harvesters are not found in homes. They mainly feed on seeds of various kinds of grass.
- Black House Ant
The black ants are attracted to sweets. They are knowns as scavengers. They look for their food in the garbage and in the kitchen. They also feed on dog feces.
- Odorous House Ant
The odorous ants feed on sugar and dead insects. They are found in kitchens, bathrooms, and cupboards.
Do Hamsters Attract Ants?
Hamsters do not attract ants. However, the food and water in the cage are the main problems. Ants of different types are always gravitating toward foods, dead insects, sweets, and water.
It is important to always collect leftovers or spilled food in your hamster cage. Regular cleaning of your cage helps to reduce ants from invading your hamsters.
Final Thoughts
Hamsters can eat ants. However you must avoid certain ants which release the toxin formic acid which can pose a danger to your hamsters.
These are wood ants, yellow crazy ants, and tawny crazy ants.
References
Formic Acid Facts, Dangers, and Uses in Nature and in Humans