this post was submitted on 09 Feb 2026
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Science Memes

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[–] LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net 18 points 12 hours ago (3 children)

It smells so weird and strong. I'm surprised not everyone can smell this. I wonder how common this is?

[–] Shelena@feddit.nl 4 points 5 hours ago

I don't know. This is the first time in my life I have ever heard about people smelling ants. I have a really good sense of smell normally, but I have never smelled ants. Never heard anybody say they could smell them either. So, I think it might be quite common.

[–] BlueEther@no.lastname.nz 12 points 12 hours ago (1 children)

Now I need to know what I'm missing out on... I know the smell of formic acid, and can smell it if andts are really pissed off - but do they just smell?

[–] LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net 15 points 12 hours ago (1 children)

I usually only smell it after they are agitated. I assume that's what they meant? But usually when I'm smelling ants they are agitated.

[–] mrmisses@lemmy.world 6 points 12 hours ago (1 children)

Can you smell other insects or is it just ants? Any type of ant?

[–] LibertyLizard@slrpnk.net 7 points 12 hours ago* (last edited 12 hours ago) (1 children)

Most insects don't have a strong odor. It's all types of ants as far as I've noticed.

With ants I typically notice it on my hands after I've touched them. So it's strong enough to linger in that way.

[–] Digestive_Biscuit@feddit.uk 2 points 4 hours ago

I don't think I've touched an ant since I was a kid.

[–] unemployedclaquer@sopuli.xyz 2 points 8 hours ago

Omg the ants are so smelly