3 replies to this topic

[Ants4fun]

so normally I wouldn't go about trying to collect a mature colony unless it is in a log, or the place is going to be bulldozed. Well there is a large lot that is going to be developed for housing. Coincidentally I am good friends with the person who is neighboring the lot. It is really quiet and it is not on a busy street.

Anyways, I was wondering how I would go about saving some of the colonies... It will no doubt be bulldozed, and most of the colonies will be destroyed. I am mostly looking to dig up Formica colonies, as it would be impossible to dig us a Lasius colony... How would you guys go about doing it? How can you tell if it is a large colony, or small colony?

[dermy]

All I can say is good luck, Colonies that are large and aren't underneath something [logs, bricks, rocks] are very hard sometimes impossible to get the queen[s] but hey at least you don't have to worry too much about damaging their nests, just do it carefully, use a hand trovel and go slowly, I've had a time where I've cut a queen in half because I went to fast and violently. Having more then one person helps, and I personally enjoy bringing a Queen Container for the queens, since It is a lot more safe, since I've heard horrror stories of Formica spraying Formic Acid and killing the queen

[Crystals]

It really depends on your location, colony size, and time of year.

With Formica (at least as far north as me) it is possible to collect most of a mature colony early in the year.  I occasionally get asked by home owners if I can remove a colony before they start some construction.

I go early in the morning, about 30 min after the sun starts to touch the hill.  Take a spade and a large flat object that you can easily see ants on (I use a wheel barrow - and rubber boots covered in flour so they can't climb).  Take care to get the first spadeful from the spot that will be the warmest.

Dump it quickly in the wheelbarrow (or tarp or other object).  Look for the queen first and foremost, put her in a small container (watch for Formic acid, add sand if the container is pure plastic or glass).  Then gather as many workers as you can.  Some colonies have multiple queens, so don't be surprised.  I use a small dust buster to collect the workers.  Dump them into a container lined with flour, or a container with olive oil around the top edge.

 

This is easiest early in the year before the queens start laying eggs, after that your chances of getting the queen on the first scoop or two drops significantly.

[Miles]

I'm filming an in-depth video this Friday on this. I'm not sure when it will be available as I'll have to edit it, but I'll try to remember to post here.