10 replies to this topic

[TimEdelman]

I live in NC, united states and I know that by law, i can't transport ants across state lines. I was just wondering where I could find the law online. It would be interesting to see if there are any specific loopholes in my state, like if the law said I can't transport colonies with queens, maybe I could get a lone fertile queen in a test tube. If you know where the law can be found online, I'd like to know.

[nurbs]

Aaaannnnndddd here we go again!

 

You cannot transport queens across state lines. No if ands or buttocks. End of story.

[T.C.]

No reproductive ants (queens ) can be Transported across state lines. Nuff said.

[Spamdy]

I live in NC, united states and I know that by law, i can't transport ants across state lines. I was just wondering where I could find the law online. It would be interesting to see if there are any specific loopholes in my state, like if the law said I can't transport colonies with queens, maybe I could get a lone fertile queen in a test tube. If you know where the law can be found online, I'd like to know.

Not transport queens or colonies but plant pests. Any type of ant in any way, shape or form is considered a plant pest. (Don't quote me on this, I haven't done much research on this topic, correct me if I'm wrong.) 

[Mettcollsuss]

What about ants with gamergates? Those aren't queens... #loopholes 

 

Just kidding I'm not actually going to do this. It was just an idea

[Martialis]

What about ants with gamergates? Those aren't queens... #loopholes 

 

Just kidding I'm not actually going to do this. It was just an idea

Gamergates are reproductives, are they not?

 

There's your answer.

[StopSpazzing]

Sounds like you are looking for something that doesn't exist. Just don't do it.

[AntHUB]

You can if you’re able to somehow obtain a PPQ 526 APHIS permit. It’s nearly impossible to obtain but application is simple. Then (depending on where the ants are from) you will need a collection permit. Since ants are considered agricultural pests you may need more permits for shipping. And you have to make sure that the company shipping ants is okay with them on their vehicles.

[AntHUB]

Also since workers that Can not reproduce only live for a limited amount of time the permits are easier to get

[drtrmiller]

The plant pest law—which is cited as the reason why ants cannot be transported across state lines, and especially from other countries into the United States—defines a plant pest as any non-human organism which causes or can potentially cause direct or indirect damage or disease to any plant or plant product.

 

This law does not differentiate between animals that can reproduce and those that cannot, and "ants" are mentioned nowhere specifically in the law.  Therefore, it is really frustrating to continue seeing longstanding members of this forum make those differentiations which do not exist, at least with respect to the law.

 

With regards to sterile ant workers, even Pogonomyrmex workers sold in ant farms required a waiver by the USDA at one point. If one were advertising and shipping worker ants to customers all over the US, one would likely pop up on the USDA radar and be asked to apply for an exemption, as well. I repeat: the law does not differentiate between organisms that can reproduce and ones that can't.

Edited by drtrmiller, January 5 2018 - 6:36 AM.

[Ants Galore]

Don't do it. Waste of time, your reputation, money(if you get caught), and most importantly, you could harm the environment. DO NOT DO IT. End of story