4 replies to this topic

[Space]

I wanted something that could go into a byformica feeder that wouldn't go rancid, so i looked into hummingbird nectar. Not sure how safe this one is though...

https://www.amazon.c...customerReviews

[Pumpkin_Loves_Ants]

I don't know about that specific brand or type but the kind I use ants seem to love it! They find it as a reliable source of sugars and any time I check on it I find maybe 5 workers minimum. If you are looking for something that doesn't go bad try honey. I bet everybody on this site will tell you honey is a superfood for ants that never spoils.

[drtrmiller]

Amazon is seriously effed up.

 

They're selling a half gallon of sugar water for $5.00 (with free shipping for qualifying orders).

 

If I were to sell that same product on Amazon as a seller, Amazon would charge me around $8.00 in fees alone, even if I was selling the same bottle at $5.00.

 

If you are looking for something that doesn't go bad try honey. I bet everybody on this site will tell you honey is a superfood for ants that never spoils.

 

Veteran members of this group know that honey contains multitudes of microorganisms that start growing and fermenting the sugars the moment the honey is exposed to moisture, either by making a honey water solution or simply by leaving it open in air.

 

Color in honey or other syrups is the result of degradation of sugar—not really something you want to see.  Ants aren't receptive to anything aside from the chemically defined sugars and salts.

 

If your ants eat the honey, fine; it isn't bad for them at all.  But ants will typically be more receptive to other forms of sugar.  And you never want to use honey in a liquid feeder because the fermentation problem can cause leaks.

Edited by drtrmiller, September 3 2019 - 4:06 PM.

[Serafine]

If you want something that lasts for around 2 weeks (5-6 days at temperatures above 30°C) try diluted maple syrup.

Sunburst lasts even longer and is very rarely pushed out of the feeder (the only occacions that happened to me was when temparture difference between day and night was very extreme) which makes it great for founding colonies.

Large colonies usually empty any feeder before spoilage becomes an issue.

Edited by Serafine, September 3 2019 - 4:42 PM.

[jcisopodgang]

I'm looking at the reviews and I see that it has red dye. I don't know 100% if that can effect ants in a major way but i would move on to another product to be honest.

This guy seems to know what he's talking about...   

clarinet

1.0 out of 5 starsNatural? Really?

September 2, 2017

Size: 64 oz

Why call yourselves "Natural"? You're trying to sell a toxic mixture that contains UN-natural artificial red dye. The national Audubon society says "There's no need for red dye here. Red coloring is not necessary and the chemicals could prove to be harmful to the birds." The Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology web site says: “The bottom line is that ‘instant nectar’ products containing artificial coloring are at best a waste of your hard-earned money and at worst a source of disease, suffering, and premature death in hummingbirds."

 

Edited by jcisopodgang, September 3 2019 - 11:51 PM.