4 replies to this topic

[FeedTheAnts]

I've heard that you aren't supposed to keep ants in an air conditioned room, and I've also heard that the ideal temperature for ants is 72-80 degrees.

But my house is air conditioned, and I don't know about you other people but my house stays  at around 74 degrees.

So, does this apply to me? Keep in mind that I just intend on keeping my ants indoors from right now till summer. Just so that I can get them out of hibernation. In the dead of summer they will be moved back into my garage

[Serafine]

Keep winter ants (Prenolepis imparis). Cool rooms are perfect for them.

[FeedTheAnts]

Keep winter ants (Prenolepis imparis). Cool rooms are perfect for them.

I'm planning on catching some as soon as they fly!

[YsTheAnt]

It shouldn't matter too much. 74 will be alright for most species, except for desert ones. Personally, I would heat them up, to 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit, especially for camponotus. Other species might not need such heat, and will be fine at 74, such as lasius, and Prenolepis.

[Works4TheGood]

Unless you're keeping winter ants, your colony will not thrive at ordinary room temperature. Although different species have different temperature preferences, I generally try to let my colony have portions of their nest at 28C. With this target, I have colonies that are just way too large. Good luck to you!