3 replies to this topic

[BaconPancakes]

I have a question about keeping the foraging area clean. Here is a pic of where my ants leave their trash. My question what is the black crap in the pic on the ground where they put the trash? Is that mold? Is that something I should be worried about? And if I need to remove it then how to I go about cleaning it? It is stuck to the ground and won't come up with a vacuum. Thanks for your help guys!

 

[drtrmiller]

Yes, it is mold.

 

However, I'd be more concerned about (what appears to be) your overflowing liquid feeder, before caring that there was a mold spot in my foraging area.

 

The only thing that may be safely implemented to kill mold in a formicarium is hydrogen peroxide.  The problem, however, is that the H2O2 molecules may be too big to seep through the plaster and kill all of it.  You're better off attempting to keep the area dry, which will inhibit mold growth more than anything else.

Edited by drtrmiller, June 1 2016 - 11:45 AM.

[BaconPancakes]

Yes, it is mold.

 

However, I'd be more concerned about (what appears to be) your overflowing liquid feeder, before caring that there was a mold spot in my foraging area.

 

The only thing that may be safely implemented to kill mold in a formicarium is hydrogen peroxide.  The problem, however, is that the H2O2 molecules may be too big to seep through the plaster and kill all of it.  You're better off attempting to keep the area dry, which will inhibit mold growth more than anything else.

 

Is it safe to put hydrogen peroxide in with the ants?

[drtrmiller]

The ants are likely to be harmed if they come into contact with hydrogen peroxide.

As I explained, the issue you described is not harmful, and you should not be concerned with removing it. Mold is everywhere, and can not be stopped. Just exercise best antkeeping practices to prevent future outbreaks.