9 replies to this topic

[Lillyrose]

Hello,

I have the little liquid feeders and sunburst fluid for my ants but I'm feeling nervous. Are we sure they work for little ants? I worry they're not getting anything to drink ... but mostly cause I don't understand how it works.

Has anyone seen them work for the tiny ants? I'm paranoid but I'll feel better if people say they work for their small ants.

[Zeiss]

Liquid feeders from byFormica?  They definitely work with Sunburst.  Make sure you clean them out and replace the sunburst every week or two.  

[Croux]

My prenolepis imparis (for reference, 50% bigger than like thief ants, but still quite small) have never had a problem with the liquid feeders.

 

What I see them do, is they climb up the vertical surface on the left or right of the liquid port, and go up and drink from the feeder. It basically forms a liquid bubble that doesn't break its surface tension.

 

Been using them for about 2.5 years, now, and I've never seen an ant drown in the liquid feeders.

They sometimes like to pile up their garbage against the feeders, though. A good reminder to switch them out with fresh food.

[Antcatcherpro3]

It works for tiny ants. they worked for my solenopsis.

[Lillyrose]

Thank you :-)

I guess I'm just worried cause when I filled them and turned them upside down nothing spilled out (before putting the bottom on) and I'm worried an air bubble will keep the food in and they won't be able to drink any.

[Antcatcherpro3]

Molesta

Solenopsis molesta are very tiny... and the feeders worked for them.

[drtrmiller]

I guess I'm just worried cause when I filled them and turned them upside down nothing spilled out (before putting the bottom on) and I'm worried an air bubble will keep the food in and they won't be able to drink any.

 

They work by wetting a small part of the plastic.  There's no special care required and most ants should be able to find the liquid and drink without issue, so long as you're using Sunburst or another sugary solution.

 

Using with unsweetened water can be more tricky because some ants may have a more difficult time smelling the water.  But Sunburst should work perfectly.

If you do have additional questions or concerns, just reply to this thread.

[ANTdrew]

My Monomorium minimum use them just fine, and those are some of the tiniest ants around. Same goes for my Pheidole bicarinata minor workers, which may actually be smaller than Monomorium.

[jasond1979]

I have some C. Vicinus and they just started the annoying habit of piling dirt against the feeder that is filled with water and draining it down.   The feeder with Ant Nectar they do not.  Any ideals what's causing the behavior?   I'm watching them and when the dirt ball gets close to draining the water I rinse it off and start over.

[Zeiss]

I have some C. Vicinus and they just started the annoying habit of piling dirt against the feeder that is filled with water and draining it down.   The feeder with Ant Nectar they do not.  Any ideals what's causing the behavior?   I'm watching them and when the dirt ball gets close to draining the water I rinse it off and start over.

Ants do this when they see the liquid as a threat to the colony.  Might want to move it farther from the nest.