27 replies to this topic

[WestAnts]

Thanks for the advice folks, I'll tool around and see if things work out!

[Crystals]

The only way to really contain this species is some lid or mesh. Even BF Fluon does not work sometimes. Even with a lip, my cookies had managed to get some scouts out.

Well, that just means you should put a few crumbs inside the foraging area! 

[William. T]

 

The only way to really contain this species is some lid or mesh. Even BF Fluon does not work sometimes. Even with a lip, my cookies had managed to get some scouts out.

Well, that just means you should put a few crumbs inside the foraging area! 

 

 

My spellcheck.... sign. You get the idea. You need to think of getting extra fine mesh sooner or later as a second line of defense, or cut down on protein. I suggest both.

[WestAnts]

Why do you suggest cutting down on protein? To keep the future population lower?

 

In any case, I cut up a piece of plastic packaging, made a square hole in the center for my own access, and coated its underside in fluon. They eventually gave up on their crusades up the walls because of it (at least so far...) and I've kept them distracted with lots of food to process.

 

A lot of eggs have become early-instar larvae now, so the pile of next season's brood has swelled nicely! The queen's gaster has shrunk visibly, however, so I wonder if she's winding down on laying until spring.

Edited by WestAnts, August 14 2015 - 11:04 PM.

[Mdrogun]

What I do with my colonies is I constantly give them access to protein, carbohydrates, and water, and I let them take what they want. I suggest you do the same, Unless you want to control the population.

Edited by Mdrogun, August 15 2015 - 12:28 PM.

[WestAnts]

Neglected to feed these girls here and there, but they haven't had any die-outs from it; their midden contains only a few corpses. Some repletes always seem to be around, even when I haven't fed them for awhile. They're happily gorging themselves now that I gave them some juice, though.

 

Anyway, it's finally cooling down here in the Bay Area after a few weeks of heavy heat. I'm going to feed them a bunch for a few weeks to make up for the previous scarcity, and then am thinking about hibernation. Anyone who's familiar with these ants have advice on when's the ideal moment, and how long hibernation should last?

Edited by WestAnts, September 13 2015 - 8:15 PM.

[Crystals]

I tend to put mine into hibernation when I have seen zero brood growth over a 2 week period.  I also tend to see lots of distended gaster, many more than usual.

I put mine in hibernation for about 2 months, but how long does snow last on the ground in your location?  Use that as an indicator.

 

If their brood never slows down, then I tend to let them be.

[Loops117]

How are these guys? Trying to gather up as much info as i can.