A Detailed Guide to Methods for Moving Ants to a New Nest in Artificial Ant Keeping

1. Freezing method:

Principle——through low-temperature freezing measures, the ants temporarily lose their ability to move, allowing manual transfer.

Method——first create suitable living conditions for the target nest (temperature, humidity, etc.), open it and have it ready, then you can put the original nest in the refrigerator and freeze it for a few minutes. The temperature should not be too low; at just a few degrees they basically stop moving, then quickly open the ant nest and transfer the frozen-stunned ants to the target nest, using tweezers to pick them up or directly grabbing them by hand. If there are eggs, you can brush them over with a soft brush, then cover the target nest again and let the dormant ants slowly wake up.

Tips and cautions——this method is suitable for small colonies with few individuals and relatively large ants. It is a bit troublesome to carry out, and if there are many eggs it is even more inconvenient.

2. Darkness method:

Principle——make use of the trait that ants like to hide and live in dark places. First connect the original nest and the target nest to each other, keep the target nest dark, and keep the original nest bright. After a certain amount of time, they will move the whole family to the dark target nest.

Method——first create suitable living conditions for the target nest, then use a tube or another method to connect it to the original nest, then cover the target nest with a book, cloth, etc. to make it dark. Then you can disturb the ants in the original nest in some way so that they discover the target nest faster and move out of the original nest faster. Of course, you can also not disturb them. Within about 1~24 hours they can complete the move, and they will even move over every single egg without leaving one behind. The speed of moving differs under different conditions for different species. After the move is complete, the original nest can be removed promptly.

Tips and cautions——this method is the simplest and most convenient, and is also one of the more commonly used methods. It is suitable for the vast majority of ant species, especially small colonies with many eggs; this method is most suitable.

3. Temperature difference method:

Principle——use extreme temperature conditions to force the ants to move. First connect the original nest and the target nest to each other, keep the target nest at the temperature conditions the ants like, and keep the original nest at low temperature or high temperature. After a certain amount of time, they will move the whole family to the comfortable target nest.

Method——first create suitable living conditions for the target nest (temperature, humidity, etc.), then use a tube or another method to connect it to the original nest, then create low temperature for the original nest (using ice cubes or placing it in the refrigerator, etc.) or high temperature (using a hot water bag, etc.). By creating these temperature conditions they dislike, within a certain period of time they will move to the target nest with suitable temperature conditions. After the move is complete, the original nest can be removed promptly. Then it is done!

Tips and cautions——this method easily makes the ants move completely. It is suitable for all ants regardless of colony size, and it also easily makes them move all the eggs over, but it is a bit troublesome to carry out.

4. Drying method:

Principle——use extreme humidity conditions to force the ants to move. First connect the original nest and the target nest to each other, keep the target nest at the humidity conditions the ants like, and keep the original nest dry, no longer adding water. After a certain period, they will move to the target nest.

Method——first create suitable living conditions for the target nest (temperature, humidity, etc.), then use a tube or another method to connect it to the original nest, then let the original nest slowly dry out naturally, no longer adding water, or adopt a certain method to speed up drying. When the ants can no longer stand the dryness, they will move to a more comfortable new home.

Tips and cautions——this method is suitable when you are not in a hurry to make the ants move all at once. One main drawback is that it takes a very long time. However, it is suitable for the vast majority of ants, and it is also very simple to carry out.

5. Brute force method:

Principle——directly use your hands to grab the ants and then put them into the target nest.

Method——first pour the ants from the original nest into a relatively open container. Of course, this container must have anti-escape measures in place (generally just apply a little anti-escape powder), then directly grab them with your hands and put them into the target nest. Of course, if you are afraid, it is best to wear gloves (disposable rubber gloves are OK), one by one until you have caught them all, and then it is done.

Tips and cautions——this method is suitable for small colonies with few individuals and relatively large ants. It is very simple to carry out and is also one of the most commonly used methods.