2 replies to this topic

[Jamiesname]

I've read on here that swimming pools are a good place to check for queens, but has anyone used one of those cheap, plastic kiddie pools to catch queens? I think if you leave it empty and line then entire rim with alcohol/baby powder the ants will land in there, rip their wings off and not be able to climb back out. You could even put some large rocks in the middle to make shade and/or hiding spots.

Anyone think it's worth a shot?

[noebl1]

So we have this hideous green frog sandbox/pool the kids got as a gift (similar to those turtle sandboxes).  It's now a sand box, but when they were smaller, we'd put water it in for them to play with. For whatever the reason, it's a queen magnet.  I've caught many different species either on it, or inside it (both with and without water).  I am unsure if it's because it's green they get confused, but I've caught Aphaenogaster, Formica, Cremetagaster, Tetramorium and Lasius on or in it.  During the flights as I am walking around looking, I make it part of my rounds.  I'm not sure how great it would work if left without checking on it as they'd eventually drown.  The sides are also textured, so not sure a rim coating would work (plus being outside guessing would wear out much faster.)

 

The other weird one; a blue striped hammock.  2 years in a row I was catching Mymica queens on it, not sure why.

Edited by noebl1, May 28 2018 - 1:10 PM.

[Irishmate03112002]

Fill it with water. Much more effective.