would you use white sugar that ants had been in?

[Grasswire2]

Brand new five pound bag of sugar, factory sealed... when I opened it, several black ants were wandering around inside. I left it on the counter open for a couple of days. The ants are gone. But did they pee in the sugar? Haha.

[pbmus]

1. They lay eggs...use it for hummingbird crack...

[Kali]

12. um, not exactly

ants are social insects like bees, only queens (back in the nest) lay eggs

[Beartracks]

2. Left a bag of sugar open and got FEWER ants??

That's never been MY experience, unfortunately.

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[Grasswire2]

3. I know, right?

I've had ants in the kitchen for a few weeks. They seem to prefer chicken bits and savory things to anything sweet. And they vacated this sugar bag as soon as it was opened.

Strange.

[Beartracks]

4. I guess after who knows how long...

... a change of scenery and fresh air are something even an ant wants.

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[IcyPeas]

5. No. And I would return it to the store.

[Squinch]

6. No!

[Laffy Kat]

7. I think it would be ok for baking.

The high heat would kill any germs. Frankly, I don't think a little ant piss would hurt anyone, it's just the thought that's unappetizing. I also think the store would take it back with no problem.

[hlthe2b]

8. Few want to think of how many insects and "bug parts" we consume regularly without knowing...

People eat insects for protein all over the world and some have tried to bring the practice to the US.

Yes, heat in baking kills what is left behind, so it would be safe for those who can get past the image.

[Newest Reality]

9. +1

Bugs are food, too! They used to sell things like chocolate covered ants and canned grasshoppers. Really.

[Lars39]

10. I remember eating chocolate covered ants as a kid!

The perils of having older brothers...they thought I'd be grossed out, but I liked the chocolate.

[Kali]

11. as long as they didn't stink it up (formic acid) - hell yes

sugar is a preservative, ants don't generally carry or transmit disease. don't worry about it, or if you are super paranoid toss out the top 1/4 inch and put the rest in a sealed container.

sounds like you have what I call grease ants. a line of DE where they come in should help keep them away. or get some bulk boric acid, same deal.

[Saviolo]

13. Basically this.

Sugar is extremely hydrophobic like salt, and germs can't really live in an all-sugar environment, because it desiccates anything. If it doesn't have a weird smell, taste, or colour, then it should be just fine.