3 replies to this topic

[antscientist]

I have a carpenter ant colony, either Camponotus pennsylvanicus or herculeanus.

I am currently heating them but I don't know for how long.

How long would it take for the heat to actually effect the growth of the larvae?

[Kanye2020]

I have my C. pennsylvanicus. on a heating cable 24/7 haven't noticed any problems. I have very little of the cable under the nest that way it doesn't overheat them. As for growth of larvae I don't really have any results but the most I can imagine is it shortens their growth time by a day or 2.

 

Still this is just my experience I'm sure everybody has different experiences/knowledge therefore different suggestions. Biggest worry would be to overheat them and also water evaporation is also sped up so be mindful of that.

[Lemon.Water]

I also keep my nests heated 24/7, this is the best for most ants as it helps them grow faster and simulates the warmer temperatures they would experience naturally during summer.

Providing a heat gradient is also always beneficial as the ants can move brood wherever they need to for optimal health. To prevent condensation don’t put the heat source directly on the water source or very close to it.

[ANTdrew]

Heat them from now until October. They will thank you. Our bodies can’t perform any internal functions below 90+ degrees, ants aren’t all that different.