How does a ant survive being stepped on?

Question

I have a slight ant problem and just wondering...first how do I get rid of them and second...how do they continue to live after being stepped on or swatted...Not only that but there overall strength...how can they lift things so much bigger then themselves?

Answer 1

If you want to kill the ants, Use a mix of cinnamon and sugar. The ants will pick up the sugar, along with the cinnamon, and take it back to their queen. Ants can’t digest cinnamon and once the queen dies from not being able to digest the cinnamon the colony will die without her.

Answer 2

They don't survive 'really' being stepped on.  Usually there are cracks and other holes in the sidewalk and your shoes are usually not smooth.  

When you really step on them-[ they are really smashed.

Answer 3

I work in an ant research lab and the poisons we've tested and recommend are, Amdro and Over and Out.

Based on our testing, Amdro works best if you broadcast it (contrary to the label says that it can be used to treat each mound). It is also best if you broadcast it at dawn or dusk (when the ants are foraging). When I used Amdro on my yard, it took about 24 hours before the mounds died off, and it lasted several months.

Over and Out is similar to Amdro, but often takes a few weeks to take full effect, arguably it has better long term effects, but I am not completely sure about that point.

Also, yes, I have squished many ants and I can guarentee that if the two squishing surfaces are smooth and without distortion, the ant will get smashed. Even if you try to smash them with your fingers though, your fingerprints may be textured and squishy enough to spare the ant's life.