10 replies to this topic

[Teafoot]

I have noticed that the AntsCanada snap cap collection vials are very handy, but everything in the hobby of ant keeping has a homemade replacement. Here are my attempts:

1. Hex bug toy tube container. I put tape on the inside and outside where there was a slit (so the ant doesn't get stuck on the tape). I also put tape around the lid to make it a tighter fit.

2. Clear film canister. This works really well, but not exactly the most common item.

3. Hotel lotion bottle. I washed it out vigorously, but am a little hesitant to use something that contained fluids. drtmiller: "Definitely don't use any containers that previously held perfumes, lotions, soaps or similar products. It's nearly impossible to remove all the aromatic compounds from the plastic, and you risk harming the ants." So this may not be a good container specifically, but it is worth pointing out.

 

I also like to use little jars, especially with the rubber plugs.

To make something like this, in short, just find something clear with a lid. If anyone else has some cool things that they use as collection vials, please comment that here.
 

Edited by Teafoot, October 22 2016 - 2:13 PM.

[drtrmiller]

Definitely don't use any containers that previously held perfumes, lotions, soaps or similar products. It's nearly impossible to remove all the aromatic compounds from the plastic, and you risk harming the ants.

[Goldsystem]

Medicine bottles work well too

[Teafoot]

Medicine bottles work well too

I like this, but am afraid that there might be toxic fumes left over in the bottle. I also find them hard to open (if they are child-proof).

[Reacker]

https://www.amazon.c...entrifuge tubes

 

These are your best friend. 

[Antsinmycloset]

Crafts store should sell small glitter mixing tubes or, failing that, some sort of a bead storage jars. Not really "homemade", but they're cheap and probably local for many people.

Edited by Antsinmycloset, October 22 2016 - 5:49 PM.

[T.C.]

I've used glitter jars, tic tac jars and other odd stuff to keep my queens in. Especially when I have found several at once and need a place to go with them

[chickenman297]

Thanks for the tips

 

I used to use 12 mm x 150 mm test tubes until I accidentally hurt a queen I was trying to collect, so I came up with this homemade contraption. I just let the queen walk onto the scoop, tip it over and give it a bit of a shake. Works quite well. You just need a piece of cardboard the size of a playing card and some sticky tape lol

 

[Crystals]

I tend to use various little plastic containers you can buy in most dollar stores. They are usually in the paint/craft section.

I have also bought plastic shot tubes for when hiking.

In a pinch, anything will work.  I have used bits of vinyl tubing, straws, pencil sharpener container, snack baggies, and even empty dog doo-doo bags.

 

I use glass test tubes once I get the ants home.

[Canadian anter]

I use something special called hands and/or some plastic test tubes with lids

[MichiganAnts]

you can also use a syringe