13 replies to this topic

[AlexLebedev]

How do I make sugar water?

[AntsMaryland]

Add a tablespoon of sugar, and a bit of water. Mix until dissolved. If it won't dissolve after awhile, add a bit more water.

 

Also warmer water will allow the solution to dissolve faster.

[GreekAnts]

Add a tablespoon of sugar, and a bit of water. Mix until dissolved. If it won't dissolve after awhile, add a bit more water.

 

Also warmer water will allow the solution to dissolve faster.

didn't know that, thanks for the info!! 

[AlexLebedev]

Add a tablespoon of sugar, and a bit of water. Mix until dissolved. If it won't dissolve after awhile, add a bit more water.

 

Also warmer water will allow the solution to dissolve faster.

Thank you

[cocdeshijie]

sugar water can be made with sugar and water

[PetsNotPests]

sugar water can be made with sugar and water

I wouldn't of guessed- 

[GreekAnts]

I know it sounds obvious but I really didn't know how it is made, I thought it must contain honey too.
No need to make fun ,at least me, a really begginer didn't know that, it sounds silly but no need for laughs..

[AntPhycho]

1 to 3 ratio of sugar to water is ideal

[SleepyAsianAnter]

I know it sounds obvious but I really didn't know how it is made, I thought it must contain honey too.
No need to make fun ,at least me, a really begginer didn't know that, it sounds silly but no need for laughs..

 

You can make sugar water with honey, but then it's called honey water

[ConcordAntman]

There actually was a thread on this as well as several articles on the water/sugar ratio (roughly 30-40%) that is most associated with a full crop. 
https://www.formicul...eedinganswered/

This is the paper they cited. 
https://www.scienced...022191098000535

To sum up, most used either a 2:1 or 3:1 water:sugar solution. Heat or boil the water to retard bacteria and speed the sugar dissolving. Keep the unused nectar refrigerated to retard fermentation (no one wants drunk or poisoned ants). Dispense in a bottle cap or soaked into a small tuft of cotton. Others used Sunburst from ByFormica dispensed in the previously mentioned methods or from ByFormica’s liquid feeders. I personally used a 3:1 ratio (the same I use for hummingbird nectar) but now I just use Sunburst because it’s stable at room temperature and has a long shelf life. 

[FelixTheAnter]

I experimented with different ratios with my Lasius Niger colony, by doing (sugar:water) 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 in test tubes then offering all at the same time. Without a doubt they preferred the 1:2
What I usually do is just fill a test tube 1/3 of the way with plain white sugar, add hot water until it's full, then shake until it's all dissolved. I have a lot less issues with mold since doing this instead of honeywater, but I still change it out once a week or so

[Lillyrose]

I know it sounds obvious but I really didn't know how it is made, I thought it must contain honey too.
No need to make fun ,at least me, a really begginer didn't know that, it sounds silly but no need for laughs..

Very well said, I think sometimes people forget that what's obvious to one isn't obvious to everyone.

Furthermore, having too much or too little sugar in the ratio can have a big impact on a colony and it isn't easy to tell.

I use the sunburst myself so I don't have to worry about getting the right amounts. The ants seem to love the stuff.

[iulius]

Incidentally, is usual white sugar preferable over other kinds of sugar (brown sugar, whole cane sugar...)?

Maybe it is best to alternate several kinds of sugar water?

[AntPhycho]

Incidentally, is usual white sugar preferable over other kinds of sugar (brown sugar, whole cane sugar...)?

Maybe it is best to alternate several kinds of sugar water?

 

White cane sugar will work just fine, as for an alternate more natural sugar source I would use pure organic honey. I alternate between these two.