9 replies to this topic

[Foogoo]

I've got a Crematogaster colony in a Talus that has about a dime-size spot of mold out in the foraging area. I've been trying to get them to move into a Mini Hearth so I can clean it out and because I think that would be a better nest for them.

 

I gave up on my previous attempts to move them because they're pretty stubborn. I've got a heat lamp on the MH, darkened, food in it while there's an ice pack on the Talus, been blowing in the nest, harassing them with a wire, but they haven't budged. Any other suggestions? 

 

What about placing a few drops of alcohol or H2O2 on the spot of mold and let the ants stay put?

[Miles]

An ice pack is probably counter-productive in this situation, as it may just slow their movement without prompting them to move the queen and brood. I think that a few drops of alcohol or H202 would be just fine, given that it is in a ventilated outworld.

Edited by Miles, March 16 2015 - 1:01 PM.

[drtrmiller]

H2O2 is the better bet.  Hydrogen peroxide is used in hydroponic setups to control pathogens.  Just don't get it anywhere near your ants.

 

You're still going to have mold spores all over the place, no matter what you do.  The only way to kill them would be dry heat sterilization with a micro torch or oven.  Not sure what the Talus is made of, so the latter may or may not be advised.

Edited by drtrmiller, March 16 2015 - 1:01 PM.

[Foogoo]

An ice pack is probably counter-productive in this situation, as it may just slow their movement without prompting them to move the queen and brood. I think that a few drops of alcohol or H202 would be just fine, given that it is in a ventilated outworld.

 

Whoops, good point. Then what would prompt them to move? I'd rather them move since I like the Mini Hearth setup better and I think they would too. One of Mikey's videos suggests the heat and light of an incandescent bulb. Unfortunately, this colony LOVES heat and will likely bask under it.

[Mercutia]

If they are prone to an affinity for heat, then heat the new nest. Keep it nice moist and humid, and stop watering the old nest.

[BugFinder]

What is everyone's thoughts about dabbing a little vodka on the mold spot?

[Miles]

What is everyone's thoughts about dabbing a little vodka on the mold spot?

As Drtrmiller suggested, H202 may work better.

[dspdrew]

harassing them with a wire

 

 

Letting the old nest dry out will make most ants move for sure. The problem is some formicariums and nests may take a long time to dry out completely. A lot of times I actually put a heating mat under the one I want dried out to speed up that process.

[Foogoo]

What is everyone's thoughts about dabbing a little vodka on the mold spot?

 

Mack from THA suggested plugging them in the chamber (good idea, didn't think of that) and dabbing the spot with vodka.

 

Hopefully I can get these guys to move. My heat lamp burnt out so I have a regular lamp on them. They don't seem disturbed by the light at all. Thankfully it's been surprisingly dry the last few days here so it won't take too long for them to move.

 

[drtrmiller]

I've heard Mack talk about vodka before.  I'd speculate he has some stake in vodka sales, for if alcohol killed fungus, and ethanol in particular, then why do yeast produce ethanol as a byproduct of fermentation?  

 

What is clear, however, is that 60% ethanol in vodka isn't going to be as effective as 98% isopropyl, and I suspect neither will do much to eradicate whatever fungal organisms and spores that are growing in the porous plaster that makes up that type of nest.  If you move the ants out and then want to fill the whole thing up with isopropyl, then maybe.  

 

The point, however, is that fungus and the associated spores are nearly impossible to remove from porous media when established.  The only thing you can do is manage it at that point, by keeping adequate ventilation, low humidity, and by removing uneaten food promptly.