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[AntswerMe]

I have caught many queen ants both in and out of pools, and have wondered what long exposure to chlorinated water could do do ants. When I collect queens from chlorinated pools, I have always immediately rinsed them gently in fresh water to rid them of any chemicals they may have been exposed to. Would these pool-caught queens be at a greater risk of death if not rinsed in fresh water?

[T.C.]

I've caught many queens in pools including our own and I would never rinse them. Never had an issue. Chlorine levels in pools isn't really all that high. It takes long term exposure to see even the slightest affects. I used to drink our pool water as a kid (I was somewhat dumb) and even with it being inside me it wouldn't harm me. It only takes a few minutes for an
ant to drown. So if it is still alive when you find it, it hasn't been exposed to the chlorine for very long and should be just fine.