Ant Keeping Tips

Ant Escape-Proofing 101: Best Barriers & Lids to Stop Runaways

Ants are curious, persistent, and excellent climbers. A great nest means nothing if your containment fails. This guide compares the most effective ant barrier options—PTFE/Fluon, talc mixes, mineral oils, and hardware solutions—so you can build an escape-proof setup that’s safe for your colony. Quick Comparison – Ant Barrier Options Barrier Type Best For How It […]

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Upgrading Your Ant Colony’s Formicarium – When & How to Do It Right

As your colony grows, its needs change. More workers mean more space, more food, and more waste. Keeping ants in a nest that’s too small leads to overcrowding, stress, and escape attempts. This guide shows you how to time a formicarium upgrade and move your colony safely with minimal stress. Quick Upgrade Checklist Sign What

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Ant Nests 101: Choosing the Best Formicarium for Your Colony

Not all ants love the same real estate. Some dig deep underground, others prefer wood, and some happily move into an acrylic penthouse. Choosing the right nest directly affects growth, health, and behaviour. Pick wrong—too dry, too humid, too big, or too small—and you invite escapes, mould, or colony decline. This guide compares the best

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Breeding Mealworms – The Ultimate Feeder Insect Guide for Ant Keepers

Scientific Name Tenebrio molitor Common Name Mealworm Size Larvae: 1–3 cm | Beetles: 1.5–2 cm Lifespan Larvae ~8–12 weeks | Beetles ~1–3 months Reproduction Beetles can lay up to ~500 eggs over their lifespan Best Temperature for Breeding 24–28 °C Feeding Frequency Provide fresh food every 2–3 days 1. Introduction to Breeding Mealworms Breeding mealworms at home is

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Understanding Ant Colony Growth Stages: From Queen to Thriving Colony

Ant colony growth stages don’t happen overnight. Ant keeping is a game of patience, and understanding each phase will help you support your colony at every step. In this guide, we’ll break down the four key growth stages of an ant colony:✅ Founding Stage – The queen’s solo survival phase.✅ Nanitic Stage – The first

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10 Common Beginner Ant Keeping Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

So, you’ve started ant keeping—congrats! You’ve entered a world where watching tiny insects carry crumbs becomes the highlight of your day. But like any new hobby, there are plenty of beginner ant keeping mistakes just waiting to happen. Some are harmless (ants are tougher than they look), while others can spell disaster—like accidentally drowning your

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Preventing Mites: How to Keep Your Ants Safe from Infestations

Ant keeping is an exciting and rewarding hobby—until you notice tiny, unwanted intruders crawling around your colony. Mites and other pests can be a nightmare for ant keepers, sometimes leading to colony stress, reduced growth, or even death. Preventing mites is one of the most important parts of ant keeping. This guide will cover:✅ The

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The Ultimate Ant Feeding Guide: What, When & How to Feed Your Colony

Feeding your ants correctly is one of the most important parts of successful ant keeping—this ant feeding guide covers everything you need to know. Too little food? The colony will struggle to grow. Too much? You’ll end up with mouldy messes and unwanted pests (ever seen an ant-sized fruit fly invasion? Not fun). This guide

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Best Australian Ant Species for Beginners

Starting your ant-keeping journey but not sure which species to pick? This guide covers the best beginner ant species Australia has to offer—hardy, easy to feed, and perfect for new keepers. Not all ants are created equal—some are hardy, beginner-friendly, and thrive in captivity, while others require specialized setups and advanced care. If you’re a

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Moving Your Queen Ant from the Founding Stage to a Formicarium: A Step-by-Step Guide

So, your queen has successfully raised her first generation of workers, and the colony is growing—congratulations! 🎉 Now comes a major milestone in ant-keeping: moving your queen ant to a formicarium. This transition needs to be timed correctly and done carefully to avoid stressing your ants. In this guide, we’ll cover:✅ When to move them✅

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