4 replies to this topic

[Buckets]

So I went to the park today and finally caught my first queen, I have an ants Canada omni nest that'd been sitting in my room for almost 2 years.

What do you guys use to clean it? I don't want the ants to die from some bacteria from the ants I bought 2 yrs ago

Edited by Buckets, March 28 2017 - 5:56 PM.

[drtrmiller]

1. Disassemble and discard the old blue PVA sponge if it's still in there.
    
2. Manually remove any scum with a non-scratching cloth, water, and dish soap.
    
3. For complete disinfection, you may use Cavicide disinfectant per the manufacturer instructions (soaking or wiping).
    
4. Finally, reassemble and replace the old blue sponge with cotton balls, using Formisazine Ant Assist to keep it hydrated so the cotton doesn't mold.

Edited by drtrmiller, March 28 2017 - 6:13 PM.

[Buckets]

• Disassemble and discard the old blue PVA sponge if it's still in there.
  
• Manually remove any scum with a non-scratching cloth, water, and dish soap.
  
• For complete disinfection, you may use Cavicide disinfectant per the manufacturer instructions (soaking or wiping).
  
• Finally, reassemble and replace the old blue sponge with cotton balls, using Formisazine Ant Assist to keep it hydrated so the cotton doesn't mold.

I can't get the ants assistant immediately, will the cotton balls themselves be alright for now?

Edited by Buckets, March 28 2017 - 6:22 PM.

[Buckets]

I wiped every piece down with equaline isopropyl alcohol, I didn't use soap, will that be alright for the ants?

[Kevin]

I wiped every piece down with equaline isopropyl alcohol, I didn't use soap, will that be alright for the ants?

Cotton doesn't last as long without the Formisazine Ant Assist, but will still work fine. I recommend PVA or cellulose sponge instead.