7 replies to this topic

[Antlover23]

Hi, 
I am planning to capture a pavement ant queen, but I am considering non-money options. So, i thought of cardboard. Would it be fine if i could construct the various chambers in a cardboard box with more cardboard? I will reinforce the box with aluminum foil and more cardboard so that they cannot get out. If i need to buy a formicarium, i will, but will this potentially work?

Thanks!
 

[OiledOlives]

Hi, 
I am planning to capture a pavement ant queen, but I am considering non-money options. So, i thought of cardboard. Would it be fine if i could construct the various chambers in a cardboard box with more cardboard? I will reinforce the box with aluminum foil and more cardboard so that they cannot get out. If i need to buy a formicarium, i will, but will this potentially work?

Thanks!
 

No.

[azzaaazzzz00]

A problem is that the ants will probably chew through the cardboard and escape. Use test tubes for your queen, they're pretty cheap. When the colony grows bigger you could use plaster (or grout) and glass to make a cheap formicarium. You can go to youtube and search up how to make one.

[Manitobant]

If you plan to capture your own queen, you won’t even need a formicarium until your colony reaches around 30 workers. A test tube will hold them until then.

[Antkeeper01]

Hi, 
I am planning to capture a pavement ant queen, but I am considering non-money options. So, i thought of cardboard. Would it be fine if i could construct the various chambers in a cardboard box with more cardboard? I will reinforce the box with aluminum foil and more cardboard so that they cannot get out. If i need to buy a formicarium, i will, but will this potentially work?

Thanks!
 

I don't think this will work check out ant drews cheaap setup for young colonies

EDIT: I don't have the link hopefully ant drew sees this and posts the link

Edited by Antkeeper01, May 4 2022 - 6:46 AM.

[ANTdrew]

This is a spectacular disaster waiting to happen. If you try it, please document.

[That_one_ant_guy]

Honestly I kinda wanna see that too

[CheetoLord02]

Hi, 
I am planning to capture a pavement ant queen, but I am considering non-money options. So, i thought of cardboard. Would it be fine if i could construct the various chambers in a cardboard box with more cardboard? I will reinforce the box with aluminum foil and more cardboard so that they cannot get out. If i need to buy a formicarium, i will, but will this potentially work?

Thanks!
 

Honestly, if you're on an extreme budget, just do tubs & tubes. Kartersci has test tubes available for just a few cents each, and stacking a few in a large bin is a more than adequate setup for a species like this. As antdrew said, your current idea will almost certainly result in disaster. Cardboard will grow mold very easily, and Tetramorium will tear it to shreds, and will likely be able to chew through tin foil as well.