5 replies to this topic

[ragingbananas]

Hello,

I'm wondering what is the best way to move a colony from a dirt setup

This colony is probably around three years.

Up until now it have been living in a plastic tote. Its not really feasable for me to keep it in said tote so i want to move it to a formincarium. This tote is big enough that it would take forever to dry out - probably months.

What is a good way to move them with out harming them?

[dermy]

I think the best method [even though you said it would take forever for the tote to dry] would still be trying to dry out the nest. Connect the tote up to a formicarium, keep it dark [cover it with something] and keep it moist. I've also seen people use lamps to provide heat and light to drive ants out of setups, I do not know how well that would work with a dirt nest since they can just hide inside deep in the nest].

 

I don't know how you have your colony setup [pics would help] but you could always try and put the new Nest inbetween the old nest and the foraging area, forcing the ants to discover the nest on the way to and from the foraging area.

[AntsMaryland]

Heat lamp on top, heat mat below (not too high). That should dry the nest out faster. 

 

Good Luck!

[FeedTheAnts]

tilt the bucket on it's side, remove as much dirt as possible without breaking the nest open, as soon as you have all the dirt possible removed and just have a little left stuck to the wall(the remaining dirt that actually holds\the chambers) tilt the container back upright and break the dirt with the nest apart.  once their nest is completely destroyed with all the dirt excavated then spread it onto the bottom of the container evenly(don't smash ants!) so that they won't dig in it because it is too shallow. Sit a large test tube or formicarium inside of the bucket and corral the queen into it, the workers will follow with the brood.

 

I don't know what species you have but i hope this helps.

[T.C.]

In my ( professional )opinion, the best way to move them is pour their dirt setup out in a large container and spread it all out so there isn't anyway to dig because the layer is too thin, then hook up the new nest. Apply light to the container and within a few hours they will be in the new nest. May sound rough, but it works for me everytime.

[ragingbananas]

Thank you for that. This tote is pretty big and its nearly full it's 20 inches by 20 inches by 23 inches maybe 15 gal or there abouts. I have been toying with the idea of applying heat but not sure how to do it with such a large container. I have been thinking about removing portions of dirt that I find unused

This is a Formica colony, not sure of the species, found In central Utah, looks a lot like fusca, but some of the workers have a deep red mesasoma (almost looks black). Ill see if i can get pics to night from home. Here is a video I took of them eating grapes



Thanks