6 replies to this topic

[FelixTheAnter]

So I have a fairly large L. Niger colony (probably 700 workers or so, with a couple hundred pupae and a pile of eggs half the size of my thumb!)

I'm trying to get them out of their old plaster nests, and into the new aerated concrete nest. I've been constantly harassing them in the old nest for days now. Tapping it, shining bright lights 24/7, even blowing into it through little holes. They refuse to leave, and instead just spend half the day in panic mode. Some pupae that I put into the outworld were brought into the new nest, but that's it.

I feel bad for stressing them this much. At this point I'm thinking, would it be less stressful just to pull the plaster nests out of their plastic containers and set them in a big tub connected to the new nest? Essentially "opening" the old nests so they are forced to leave quickly?

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[antsriondel]

So I have a fairly large L. Niger colony (probably 700 workers or so, with a couple hundred pupae and a pile of eggs half the size of my thumb!)

I'm trying to get them out of their old plaster nests, and into the new aerated concrete nest. I've been constantly harassing them in the old nest for days now. Tapping it, shining bright lights 24/7, even blowing into it through little holes. They refuse to leave, and instead just spend half the day in panic mode. Some pupae that I put into the outworld were brought into the new nest, but that's it.

I feel bad for stressing them this much. At this point I'm thinking, would it be less stressful just to pull the plaster nests out of their plastic containers and set them in a big tub connected to the new nest? Essentially "opening" the old nests so they are forced to leave quickly?

are both nests hydrated? if so then I would suggest to stop moisturizing their old formicarium and hydrating the new one.

[DDD101DDD]

Won't pulling out the plaster be dangerous for the ants? It seems like the a lot of the ants on the side would get squished when the plaster gets pulled out.

[ANTdrew]

I would recommend a forced move at this point. Carefully locate the queen first to make sure she is fine.

[RushmoreAnts]

Won't pulling out the plaster be dangerous for the ants? It seems like the a lot of the ants on the side would get squished when the plaster gets pulled out.

If the plaster is tight enough that shouldn't happen, although assuming it's not casualties can be reduced if the procedure is done very, very slowly to allow most workers time to escape being crushed.

[m99]

I feel like you wouldn't even need to remove the plaster as long as you take the lids completely off the containers. They'll still feel like their nest is completely exposed I'd imagine.

[Triggerhippy888]

Lasius Niger are very loyal to their nest and are buggers to move. My colony of 800 has been offered a new nest since coming out of hibernation and after 3 weeks have about 80% moved. The key as others have said us humidity, LN will follow the water so let the old nest totally dry out and eventually they will relocate.