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Will formic acid kill the queen' s brood?

Started By Jamiesname , Nov 4 2017 4:43 PM

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5 replies to this topic

#1 Offline Jamiesname - Posted November 4 2017 - 4:43 PM

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283 posts

LocationMichigan

I have a small colony that brings pieces of insects inside the nest to lay on the larvae pile. Sometimes the queen will flip out and grab the pieces and spray formic acid on the insect parts, and some gets on the eggs, larvae and pupae. Is there anything to worry about? It's a new behavior so I'm concerned.

#2 Offline Hunter - Posted November 4 2017 - 5:01 PM

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565 posts

LocationWaterboro Maine

not being rude but it is kinda easy to figure out that it could affect them; and i would take them out and very carefully put then on a papertowle and super carefully wipe them of without crushing them

#3 Offline Batspiderfish - Posted November 4 2017 - 6:17 PM

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1,614 posts

No, don't worry about it. There's a lot more potential for death found in human intervention than how they behave in their nest. Are you sure the liquid that you saw wasn't something else, like hemolymph from the insect carcass?

If you've enjoyed using my expertise and identifications, please do not create undue ecological risk by releasing your ants. The environment which we keep our pet insects is alien and oftentimes unsanitary, so ensure that wild populations stay safe by giving your ants the best care you can manage for the rest of their lives, as we must do with any other pet.

Exotic ants are for those who think that vibrant diversity is something you need to pay money to see. It is illegal to transport live ants across state lines.

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Black lives still matter.