Javascript Disabled Detected

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

Welcome to Formiculture.com!

This is a website for anyone interested in Myrmecology and all aspects of finding, keeping, and studying ants. The site and forum are free to use. Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation points to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!

What sugars are safe for ants?

Started By Chickalo , Jan 28 2021 7:00 PM

Please log in to reply

9 replies to this topic

#1 Offline Chickalo - Posted January 28 2021 - 7:00 PM

Advanced Member

Members
809 posts

LocationSalem, Massachusetts

If I get a Prenolepis imparis colony, I'd really like to have pastel coloured repletes (I dunno I just really like pastels), but I don't know what foods and dyes are safe to use, any recommendations?

Nanahira likes this

シグナチャーです。예.

#2 Offline ANTdrew - Posted January 28 2021 - 7:14 PM

Advanced Member

Moderators
9,973 posts

LocationAlexandria, VA

Regular food dye is fine.

"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#3 Offline gs5248 - Posted January 28 2021 - 8:18 PM

Advanced Member

Members
473 posts

LocationSacramento California

Yes. For me my rule is, anything you could feed to a very young child, is okay for ants. Though, you should still wash inorganic fruits VERY thoroughly before you feed it to your ants. Believe me. I have lost a quarter of a colony because of feeding them unwashed fruit.

#4 Offline steelplant - Posted January 29 2021 - 12:02 PM

Advanced Member

Members
146 posts

Some pesticides don't wash off so it's better to peel them or buy organic.

#5 Offline ANTdrew - Posted January 29 2021 - 12:21 PM

Advanced Member

Moderators
9,973 posts

LocationAlexandria, VA

I don’t feed fruits at all except for wild gathered things very infrequently.

"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#6 Offline KitsAntVa - Posted January 29 2021 - 3:05 PM

Advanced Member

Members
1,254 posts

LocationRichmond, Virginia

Anything you wouldn’t mind at or a animal wouldn’t eat is the limit basically.

We don’t talk about that

#7 Offline gs5248 - Posted January 29 2021 - 3:34 PM

Advanced Member

Members
473 posts

LocationSacramento California

Anything you wouldn’t mind at or a animal wouldn’t eat is the limit basically.

Yes but we can eat inorganic fruits that have small amounts of residual pesticides, while ants might not be able to.

#8 Offline gcsnelling - Posted January 29 2021 - 3:40 PM

Expert

Members
1,686 posts

Keep in mind organic does not mean no pesticides were used.

Miles likes this

#9 Offline Chickalo - Posted January 29 2021 - 4:07 PM

Advanced Member

Members
809 posts

LocationSalem, Massachusetts

Yes. For me my rule is, anything you could feed to a very young child, is okay for ants. Though, you should still wash inorganic fruits VERY thoroughly before you feed it to your ants. Believe me. I have lost a quarter of a colony because of feeding them unwashed fruit.

Shall I go to Babies R Us then?

シグナチャーです。예.

#10 Offline KitsAntVa - Posted January 29 2021 - 5:28 PM

Advanced Member

Members
1,254 posts

LocationRichmond, Virginia

Yes. For me my rule is, anything you could feed to a very young child, is okay for ants. Though, you should still wash inorganic fruits VERY thoroughly before you feed it to your ants. Believe me. I have lost a quarter of a colony because of feeding them unwashed fruit.
Shall I go to Babies R Us then?

That could be a possibility lol

We don’t talk about that

Back to General Ant Keeping · Next Unread Topic →