4 replies to this topic

[FeedTheAnts]

The problem I have is that my two Camponotus colonies need to hibernate, but my garage(where I did it last year) is nowhere close to being cold just yet. The only other option I have is to hibernate them in my fridge. I have a few questions;

1. Do they need insulation at all?

2. I can't change the temp of my fridge, is it necessary?

3. If so, is it necessary because fridges are generally too warm or too cold.

 

Thanks

[Antsinmycloset]

Insulation will lessen routine temperature spikes all fridges have, however minor. That should lessen the chance of condensation, frost, or other bad things. Just wrapping them in a towel or something will probably be plenty, plus it will absorb a little bit more of the vibrations all compressors have.

Camponotus are potentially able to handle whatever temp the fridge is set at, but with no cooldown period, it could be rough on them. Is there anywhere cool, but warmer than the fridge, you could place them for a while? People always say Camponotus hibernate at cooler temperatures, but I had zero difficulty hibernating my colonies at ~50-55 degrees the past two years. Regardless, I'd find the warmest spot of the fridge, then determine its temperature range before proceeding.

Sorry for the nonanswer.

[KBant]

once they look nice and fat and once they stop eating or moving around as much, they're ready for hibernation. first take them off heat, next let them rest in room temp for a couple days or so, and then put them in the fridge. 

 

camponotus can handle near freezing temps and the standard fridge works great for them! Put in the back, place on a towel to minimize disturbance, keep the nest dark- use aluminum foil, and don't bother them for 3-4 months. shoot for 4 months. 

 

your garage maaaaay be ok but why chance it? why potentially kill a year or more of work raising your colony? we keep these ants in controlled environments the rest of the year so why expose them to the elements for 3-4 months. my camps are from high up in the mountains, where there is plenty of ice and snow in the winter. there is no way my garage in sunny los angeles could mimic that, but a fridge can! 

[CampoKing]

My concern with fridges is that they're simply too cold. The lowest safe temperature for most ants that I see elsewhere on the internet is 8C or 46F. If you have a fridge that can do that, great, but remember that they don't (usually?) circulate fresh air either. Might need to modify a mini fridge or wine cooler with a breathing vent or something.

[FeedTheAnts]

I read through all your posts and thanks for your answers. 

 

My concern with fridges is that they're simply too cold. The lowest safe temperature for most ants that I see elsewhere on the internet is 8C or 46F. If you have a fridge that can do that, great, but remember that they don't (usually?) circulate fresh air either. Might need to modify a mini fridge or wine cooler with a breathing vent or something.

Unfortunately a fridge is all I got to hibernate them in. I will definitely be insulating them with towels like you guys mentioned. 

 

 

your garage maaaaay be ok but why chance it? why potentially kill a year or more of work raising your colony? we keep these ants in controlled environments the rest of the year so why expose them to the elements for 3-4 months. my camps are from high up in the mountains, where there is plenty of ice and snow in the winter. there is no way my garage in sunny los angeles could mimic that, but a fridge can! 

I can't put all of my ants in my fridge because not all of them are in test tube(two are actually in a large tank). The garage is my only choice for them. The only reason the Camponotus are going in my fridge is because they are the only ones that look like they need hibernating already, and my garage isn't cold yet. My garage worked last year for my colonies to hibernate in so I am not that worried.