Wood ants spray formic acid from their abdomens as a defense. The acid gives off a pungent odor, but doesn't hurt unless it gets into an open wound, which is most often caused by the ants biting with their powerful jaws. The acid fumes also irritate the n

Wood ants spray formic acid from their abdomens as a defense. The acid gives off a pungent odor, but doesn't hurt unless it gets into an open wound, which is most often caused by the ants biting with their powerful jaws. The acid fumes also irritate the n