Keeping an ant farm is a fantastic way to observe nature in all her glory. Ants are captivating, busy little creatures and provide a deep insight into how natural communities work together. Watching them build their home and tend to their young is educational and rewarding. So, if you want to get up close and personal with some of nature’s most dedicated workers, look at the list below of six things you need to know about keeping an ant farm.
1. Ant Farms Can Last 15 Years
Ant farms can last over 15 years if you correctly care for them. It takes them around a year to fully establish their colony, so it’s a long, yet rewarding process. A well-established colony will last between five and 15 years.
If you want your pet ants to live a long time, you must home them in a suitable enclosure (more about that below) and use a chemical-free substrate. The best substrate for ants is a sand/soil mix. Choose a suitable location for your farm, such as a utility room, garage, or shed. The room must be well-ventilated with a warm, stable temperature, and free from drafts with adequate daylight. Don’t keep your farm in direct sunlight.
The main problem with large insect colonies is overfeeding. Ants only eat as much as they need, and leftovers provide the perfect habitat for mold and bacteria. To prevent disease, only feed as much as ants will eat and clean out leftover food daily.
2. Ant Farms Require Specialized Enclosures
If you want to keep ants, then the best habitat is a formicarium––the “official” name for an ant farm. A formicarium is similar to a vivarium with a nesting area for the queen. The nest is usually dark and hidden from view.
The ants also need a landscape layer above the surface. You feed the ants in this area, and they often deposit their waste here. You can seal the ant farm with a lid or a barrier product, such as petroleum jelly, to prevent ants from escaping. You can find a massive range of purpose-made ant farms and starter kits for sale, and some owners like to make an ant farm from scratch.
3. Ant Farms Are Low Maintenance Endeavors
Ant farms are low maintenance and ideal for beginner pet insect keepers. The art of ant keeping (myrmecology) has come a long way, with many educational resources available for first-time owners. Although you don’t have to pet or walk them, ants need regular cleaning and maintenance. You must also feed them every two to three days and monitor the temperature and humidity of the enclosure.
Ants thrive on a varied diet, including fruit, small insects, and sweet water. You can give them honey diluted with water twice weekly. The best way to provide ants honey water is to soak it in a cotton wool ball or Q-tip. Ants usually absorb water from their substrate, so it’s crucial to keep it moist by misting it regularly. You can also place an ant-specific water dispenser on your farm. Never leave bowls or pools of water in the enclosure because ants can easily drown in them. You can also give ants water gel crystals as a hydration source.
4. Your Ant Farm Needs a Queen
Queen ants are the driving force behind an ant colony because they lay eggs. If you want a long-lasting colony, then you need a queen. A colony without a queen won’t grow and thrive and will only last a few months. You can acquire a queen ant online – or look for one in your local area during mating season.
The ant nuptial flight at mating time is unmissable – it’s when you see them flying around in droves. Mating time depends on your location. It occurs anywhere from early spring to late summer. Queens have long life cycles compared to other insects, are substantially larger than worker ants, and lose their wings and crawl on the ground after mating. If you’re new to ant keeping, be aware that a colony with a queen will grow, need more food and maintenance than other ants, and may produce flying ants.
5. Ant Keeping is Educational and Rewarding
Keeping ants is educational and rewarding – and it gives you an incredible insight into the natural world. It’s fascinating to watch a colony develop and to observe social structures, hierarchies, and how they raise their young. Watching an ant farm is super relaxing, and just like watching a fish tank, it can reduce stress. You can use a magnifying glass to get a better view of their activity – but don’t tap the glass as this can make their tunnels collapse.
The best way to view ants is in a gel farm, but these systems are controversial. Gel farms contain transparent, nutritious gel. It provides food and hydration for ants, so you don’t have to maintain them, and it has a clear view of all their comings and goings. The downside to gel farms is that they aren’t suitable for keeping ants long-term. The inhabitants won’t develop correctly and usually die after a few months.
6. There Are Many Ant Species
There are many types of ants used for ant farming, and the most popular choices are harvester, carpenter, or black garden ants. For the best results, you should choose local species that will thrive in your climate. Depending on the spices and your climate, some ants will have a dormant phase during the winter.
You must research the species before choosing pet ants and consider their temperature and humidity needs, colony size, and food preferences when choosing one. Each species has different care needs, and some, such as bullet ants, are aggressive with a painful sting. Finally, you must not mix ant species because they will kill each other.
