2 replies to this topic

[spytim]

So I was thinking of several different ways to make founding Formicariums for Queens or small colonies. One design i wanted to try out which was essentially just two glass coasters with clay in between. So I was wondering... Would Plumber's putty work in place of the clay? Or does it contain something toxic to ants? 

(Prototype formicarium is attached to this topic) 

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[dspdrew]

I don't think you're supposed to use the clay for the nest, but as a mold to pour plaster into. Ants will dig right through anything that soft. And I don't know what's in plumber's putty, but I imagine it's not good.

[soulkeeper79]

Plumber's putty is generally safe and non-toxic to ants and all wildlife. The main ingredient is standard clay, with small amounts of fine talc/limestone and natural plant/fish based oils mixed in. But as dspdrew indicated, most ants will be able to chew through it.