I have thought about that. But I figure with only a string for access invasion would be pretty difficult, and you could quickly severe access to the outside world if necessary. Once an Atta colony gets large the only things that can really go at them are Nomamyrmex army ants, and they usually raid from underground, I don't think they'd be able to get enough of a force in over a string to cause issues without us noticing.
.
The other potential issue is that in in their search for plants and salts they might damage stuff(particularly plastic screens at the like). I'm hoping that having the access touch the ground far away enough from the building will minimize this issue, and also we could maintain a small foraging arena stalked with plants and salty things(probably bits of toilet paper soaked in sweat, brine, or urine).
.
.
I'm also hoping this will limit colony growth somewhat. In big Atta colonies they make these highways that allow cutters to walk perhaps 8 abreast into the burrow carrying leaves. If they are forced to be more or less in single file that is going to limit harvesting efficiency, perhaps to the point of limiting colony size without the need to cull.
.
Edited by musingsofjoe, May 30 2020 - 9:21 AM.