Ant Care Tips

The World's Best Source for Harvester Ants!

ANT CARE TIPS

This page is dedicated to providing helpful tips on ant care. We have included instructions for feeding, watering, and general care for ants so that they live longer and happier in your ant farm or ant habitat.

Tip #1 - Putting the ants into the Observatory

If you have a narrow opening in the top of your observatory you will probably want to roll a piece of paper into a funnel shape that you can pour the ants through down into the observatory. Ants are cold blooded so they slow down when they get cold. Place the ants in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes to slow them down before you dump them into the observatory. This will make it easier and safer to get the ants into their new home.

Tip #2 - Water

To give better care to your ants give them a few drops of water every day. Don't make their sand so wet that water pools up on top and they drown in it, but do give them a few drops every day. To give your ants an extra boost of energy and a real treat they will love, mix a pinch of sugar in a teaspoon of water and give it to the ants once a week.

Tip #3 - Food

The best foods for harvester ants are small pieces of fresh fruits and vegetables. Celery, Apple, Lettuce, work real well because they are not real "mushy" and sticky. Don't overfeed the ants. They only need 2 or 3 small pieces every two days. After two days if the food has not been completely eaten remove it. This will keep mold from growing in the habitat that could harm your ants. Another good thing to feed ants is sugar water as in Tip #2.

Tip #4 - Temperature

Temperature is a big factor in how long your ants live. Ants will live longer in a cool room at temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees. Don't keep the ants in a place where they are hit by direct sunlight as this will cause the temperature inside the ant habitat to rise.