So, your queen ant has settled into her test tube, but now it’s time to move her—maybe because the water has dried up, mould is forming, or the colony is outgrowing its space. Moving a queen and her workers can be stressful if done incorrectly, so it’s important to make the transition as smooth as possible.
This guide will show you how to move your colony into a fresh test tube while keeping stress (and escapees) to a minimum.
1. When Do You Need to Move the Queen?
Moving a queen and colony should only be done when necessary to avoid unnecessary stress. The most common reasons are:
✔ The water reservoir has dried up – Without hydration, the colony is at risk.
✔ Mould is forming – A little is okay, but if it’s spreading, it’s time to move.
✔ The test tube is too small – If the workers are constantly piled on top of each other, it’s time for more space.
✔ Severe condensation – Too much humidity can drown brood and lead to fungus growth.
If you’re unsure whether it’s the right time to move your queen, refer to our guide on When to Move the Queen to a New Setup.
2. Setting Up the New Test Tube
Before disturbing the colony, make sure their new home is ready.
What You’ll Need:
✔ A fresh test tube setup (water, cotton, empty space).
✔ A way to connect the old and new test tubes (see methods below).
✔ A dark cover (e.g., black paper or a small box) to encourage the move.
✔ An escape-proof container (optional but useful).
How to Set Up the New Tube:
1️⃣ Prepare the new test tube just like the old one – Water reservoir at one end, cotton barrier, and open space for the queen and workers.
2️⃣ Place the old and new test tubes end-to-end – The goal is to give the ants a direct, safe passage between the two.
3️⃣ Secure the tubes so they don’t roll around. You can:
- Join them with a short piece of tubing (if available).
- Tape them together at the openings so the ants can walk across.
- Place both tubes inside a small, escape-proof container with their open ends touching.
🔹 Important: Both test tubes should have their openings completely unobstructed so the ants can move freely. The cotton plugs should only be replaced once the colony has fully moved into the new test tube.
The idea is to make one clear path so the ants feel safe moving across.
3. Encouraging the Colony to Move
Ants won’t move unless they feel like the old test tube is no longer ideal. Instead of forcing them out, try these methods:
The Passive Method (Recommended)
This method lets the ants move naturally without stress.
1️⃣ Cover the new test tube with something dark (black paper, fabric, etc.) to mimic a safe underground space.
2️⃣ Expose the old test tube to light – Ants prefer darkness, so making their current home too bright will encourage them to move.
3️⃣ Keep the setup undisturbed – This method can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the species.
🐜 The Gentle Nudge Method (If They Won’t Move)
If they refuse to move, you can speed things up by:
🔹 Gently warming the new test tube – A slight warmth (not direct heat) will make it more attractive.
🔹 Cooling the old test tube slightly – A cooler environment makes it feel less desirable.
🔹 A soft puff of air into the old tube (not too strong—just a light disturbance).
🔹 Tapping the old test tube gently to encourage movement.
4. What If They Still Won’t Move?
If days have passed and the ants refuse to budge, here’s a last resort:
🔹 Place a tiny drop of honey or sugar water in the new test tube to lure the workers inside.
🔹 If necessary, manually move the queen using soft tweezers or a fine brush—but only as a last resort.
Important: Never shake or forcefully tip the ants out—it can injure the queen or cause workers to scatter.
5. Settling into the New Home
Once the colony has moved:
✔ Remove the old test tube to avoid confusion.
✔ Replace the cotton plug in the new test tube to secure the colony.
✔ Leave them undisturbed for a few days so they feel secure.
✔ Check that all brood has been transferred – If any eggs or larvae are left behind, workers may return to retrieve them.
For more details on test tube setups, visit our guide on The Perfect Test Tube Setup for Queen Ants.
Conclusion
Moving a queen ant and her colony isn’t something you want to do often, but when necessary, it’s best to use a calm, strategic approach. The key is to make the old test tube unappealing while making the new one feel like a safe upgrade.
With patience, your ants will relocate on their own terms, and you’ll have a healthy colony ready to keep growing!
