Why Upgrade?
As your ant colony grows, their needs change. More workers = more space, food, and waste. Keeping them in a nest that’s too small can cause overcrowding, stress, and escape attempts (because ants are tiny Houdinis).
So, how do you know it’s time to upgrade, and how do you do it safely without causing mass panic in the colony? Let’s dive in!
1. Signs It’s Time to Upgrade
Your ants might not leave you a note, but they will show signs that they need more space:
🐜 Overcrowding – Workers and brood are crammed into every chamber, making it hard for them to move freely.
🚧 Traffic Jams – Ant highways are so packed that ants are climbing over each other.
🔓 Escape Attempts – Ants gathering near the exits or constantly testing barriers? They’re looking for a bigger home.
🗑 Outworld Chaos – Trash piles up because there’s no space to dispose of it.
💦 Condensation Issues – Increased humidity buildup due to overcrowding.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid upgrading too early—if your nest is too big, ants won’t use all the chambers, making it harder to control humidity and cleanliness.
2. Choosing the Right New Nest
Picking the right formicarium is crucial. You want something big enough for growth but not so big that they feel lost.
📏 How Big Should It Be?
✅ Follow the 70-80% rule – Upgrade when the current nest is at least 70% full.
✅ Avoid oversized nests – Too much empty space can stress ants out and make it harder to manage moisture.
🏠 Nest Material Options
- Acrylic – Great for visibility, easy to maintain.
- 3D-Printed Nests – Modular and expandable.
- Ytong (Aerated Concrete) – Holds moisture well for humidity-loving species.
- Naturalistic Setups – Mimic nature but risk escape routes.
💡 Pro Tip: Instead of one big move, you can add an extension to their current nest.
🔗 Moving Your Queen Ant to a Formicarium
3. Preparing for the Move
Ants don’t love surprises (unless it’s food). To make the transition smooth, prepare everything in advance:
✅ New Nest Ready – Hydrated, positioned, and escape-proof.
✅ Escape Barriers – Apply PTFE or fluon to prevent runaways.
✅ Backup Test Tube – In case you need emergency queen relocation.
✅ Temperature & Humidity Checks – Make sure conditions match their current home.
💡 Pro Tip: Let the new nest sit for a few days before moving the colony—this allows the moisture levels to stabilize.
4. How to Move the Colony
There are a few ways to encourage a smooth migration. Some are gentle, while others force the move. Choose wisely!
🐜 Passive Move (Low Stress, Best for Beginners)
🔹 Connect the old and new nests and let ants migrate at their own pace.
🔹 Reduce humidity in the old nest while keeping the new one hydrated.
🔹 Expose the old nest to light while keeping the new one in darkness.
⏳ Time Required: Days to weeks, but zero stress on the colony.
🔥 Heat Method (Faster, but a Little Pushy)
🔹 Place a gentle heat source near the new nest to encourage movement.
⚠️ Warning: If the old nest is too warm, ants might panic.
🌙 Darkness Trick
🔹 Cover the new nest and leave the old one exposed.
🔹 Ants prefer darkness—they’ll move on their own.
🚚 The Manual Move (Last Resort)
🔹 Gently transfer workers with a soft brush.
🔹 Manually move the queen to the new nest.
⚠️ Only use if absolutely necessary—this method is high stress for the colony.
5. What to Do If They Won’t Move?
Some colonies refuse to budge. If yours is stubborn, try these tactics:
🛑 Reduce Humidity in the Old Nest – Ants prefer moisture, so they’ll move if it’s drying out.
💡 Increase Light Exposure – Ants like darkness and will seek shade in the new nest.
🌡 Gentle Heat Encouragement – Helps move them along faster.
🍯 Bait with Food – Place honey water or protein near the new nest entrance.
💡 Pro Tip: Be patient! Some colonies take weeks to accept a new home.
6. Monitoring After the Move
✅ Check for Stress – Are ants crowding near exits? That’s a bad sign.
✅ Look for Escape Attempts – Some ants don’t trust landlords and will still test for weaknesses.
✅ Adjust Hydration & Feeding – New nests may dry out differently.
🔗 How to Keep Your Ants Safe from Mites and Pests
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your formicarium is a big deal for your ants. If done right, it’s smooth sailing, but if rushed, it can stress your colony out.
✅ Upgrade when your colony is outgrowing its space.
✅ Be patient—let them migrate naturally if possible.
✅ Escape-proof everything! Ants are tiny escape artists.
🐜 Have you upgraded your colony before? Drop your tips in the comments!
