7 replies to this topic

[Jamiesname]

Has anyone used an aspirator to collect ants, and have them die a couple days later? I have one colony that partially escaped and the ones I collected with my aspirator are now dead, while the rest are still alive.

[AkumaArtist]

common aspirators kill ants because of deshidratation

there are special aspirators (ant aspirators) that has a less potent aspiration,but still,if you are not fast enough,they also will die for the same reason.

[drtrmiller]

Desiccation, or drying out, is generally only an issue if the aspirator uses a vacuum for suction (as opposed to blowing or sucking by mouth).

More likely, some ants which spray formic acid as a defense may be exposed to a lethal dose after being agitated and then confined in a small aspirator.  If you were providing suction by mouth, you would have noticed a strong vinegar-like odor and possible burning during the collection process.  Blow-type aspirators are likely better suited for these ants.  Another issue with some aspirators is too much suction, resulting in the ants being slammed against the container.

Edited by drtrmiller, December 18 2017 - 11:30 PM.

[Serafine]

More likely, some ants which spray formic acid as a defense may be exposed to a lethal dose after being agitated and then confined in a small aspirator.

Ummm... you don't want to use an aspirator to suck in formicine ants. I know someone who did. First thing he did after he tried was coughing and puking into the woods.

[drtrmiller]

 

More likely, some ants which spray formic acid as a defense may be exposed to a lethal dose after being agitated and then confined in a small aspirator.

Ummm... you don't want to use an aspirator to suck in formicine ants. I know someone who did. First thing he did after he tried was coughing and puking into the woods.

 

 

You just repeated what I had already said.

[Serafine]

Yes, but from the other perspective.

[Connectimyrmex]

 

More likely, some ants which spray formic acid as a defense may be exposed to a lethal dose after being agitated and then confined in a small aspirator.

Ummm... you don't want to use an aspirator to suck in formicine ants. I know someone who did. First thing he did after he tried was coughing and puking into the woods.

 

I agree. I once used an aspirator with Lasius nearcticus (normally harmless), until the film broke. My mouth tasted like lemons for the rest of the day.

[MegaMyrmex]

I tried using ant aspirator with a myrmica colony and the film broke and worker stung my mouth. I prefer collecting them by hand. Tedious but a bit safer.