4 replies to this topic

[Del]

Hi all,

 

I've got some really stubborn ants that I want to move to a clean test tube as I'm worried that the large and expanding mold garden on the back cotton is dangerous and preventing them from drinking.

 

Do people often move small colonies by force? Can ants die from stress? I've done it before but I would appreciate any experience people have.

 

Cheers,

Aidan

[Salmon]

Easy- put them on a heat mat and crank it up until they can't tolerate the heat.

[Batspiderfish]

The ants don't need to drink. They absorb moisture from the air. Give them access to a fresh tube and do not force the colony to move unless they start dying.

[drtrmiller]

Easy- put them on a heat mat and crank it up until they can't tolerate the heat.

 

Unless dealing with Prenolepis imparis, most ants are thermophiles, being attracted to heat.  What you recommend is a good way to cook a colony.

 

Bright light, placed very close to the tube, however, will often do the trick.  Daylight LED or CFL bulbs work best (you want to avoid too much heat).  Observe the ants closely throughout the move to ensure they do not overheat or drown during the moving process.

Edited by drtrmiller, September 19 2016 - 6:35 PM.

[Del]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. Unfortunately this colony seems pretty tolerant of light, but I'll try something brighter. Really though, all I want to do is get in there with a small paint brush and tip them into a clean tube.