Get the latest Science News and Discoveries

What caffeine does to ants could change pest control


Caffeine doesn’t just perk up humans—it can sharpen ants’ minds too. Invasive Argentine ants given caffeinated sugar learned to find food much more efficiently, taking straighter paths and reducing travel time by up to 38%. They weren’t faster, just more focused, indicating improved learning. This unexpected effect could make pest control baits far more effective.

None

Get the Android app

Or read this on ScienceDaily

Read more on:

Photo of ants

ants

Photo of pest control

pest control

Photo of caffeine

caffeine

Related news:

News photo

Smithsonian research associate discovers ants assemble to be picked clean by ‘cleaner’ ants, a novel insect behavior - EurekAlert!

News photo

In the Desert, a ‘Cleaning Station’ for Ants

News photo

Caffeine May Reverse Memory Loss From Lack of Sleep, Study Suggests