Ants Make Their Choice of Candy Known

Well, we are still feeding the ants and calling it science. We tried an experiment to see what the ants would choose to eat. We put out two each of M&Ms, Reece's Pieces, and conversation hearts. We predicted what the ants would like. Most predicted the conversation hearts. While the kids were in art, and just 5 minutes after putting out the candy, I checked. I wasn't surprised that the ants were on the M&Ms, but was shocked that it took only 5 minutes. At the end of an hour, we checked on the progress and found some interesting information. The ants had begun eating the candy-coated shell off both M&Ms, enough so that the chocolate showed through. One of the M&Ms was surrounded by ants who appeared to be trying to carry it. A few ants were on the conversation hearts, but none seemed to want the Reece's Pieces. By end of day when we checked again, we found that just a few ants were trying the R. Pieces. Maybe they just don't care for peanut butter. I'm thinking of making a commercial--if you have small children who leave their candy around, give them Reece's Pieces to prevent attracting the ants. Or maybe this--M&Ms are so good that even the sweet-seeking ants will thank you for selecting M&Ms. I'm waiting on the call from the candy companies.