7 replies to this topic

[Ants Galore]

So I need a dirt formicarium for Solenopsis Invicta. I've dug up some dirt from my backyard. It's got dead roots, some grass, and dry dirt blocks with roots stuck in them. When I spray water into the nest, I suspect it will probably start growing mold. Filters don't work. How do I use the dirt and will dead roots and stuff really mold?

[Ants4fun]

So I need a dirt formicarium for Solenopsis Invicta. I've dug up some dirt from my backyard. It's got dead roots, some grass, and dry dirt blocks with roots stuck in them. When I spray water into the nest, I suspect it will probably start growing mold. Filters don't work. How do I use the dirt and will dead roots and stuff really mold?

Dead roots and stuff will really mold. I would bake it in your oven to remove microorganisms then add your ants and springtails to eat any mold that comes up.

[Chromerust]

You don't need dirt to keep S. Invicta successfully. They'll use the dirt to their advantage and mastermind escapes.

[BMM]

I normally collect dirt from ant hills, but when I can't I grind up some dirt and "strain" it a few times. That usually gets 99% of the rocks and plant matter out. I bake it afterwards just to be safe.

[Shareallicu]

I normally collect dirt from ant hills, but when I can't I grind up some dirt and "strain" it a few times. That usually gets 99% of the rocks and plant matter out. I bake it afterwards just to be safe.

I strained my dirt, but didn't bake it...

[Loops117]

I just buy organic soil from lowes, home depot, menards..... Honestly, you'll spend $8-$12 for a bag, and it'll last you forever. Also, it's already pre-screened, and full of much more "good stuff" then regular dirt collected out side.

[dspdrew]

I highly doubt you're going to have a mold problem in a dirt nest. The ants themselves keep mold from growing. They're only going to dig the nest as big as they need it, so there shouldn't be any unkept areas of the nest where mold might start to grow. I have tons of colonies kept in dirt, and the only time I see a mold breakout is when the colony dies. Putting springtails in the nest will help even more.

[Ants Galore]

Okay thanks! Btw the dirt was in the fridge for a couple hours. Though that wouldn't kill bacteria