Ant care tips and tricks
Here are some general tips and tricks to help you care for your Harvester Ants:
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Ant Kit Questions
If you have questions about your Ant Observation Project, please click here.
How do I set up my Ant Mountain™?
Here's what you need to know to get your ants happily settled in their Ant Mountain™ habitat. WARNING: Do not touch your ants! They can bite, which may cause pain and swelling. Please check out our Ant Mountain™ instructions here. 1. Getting Started.
Where can I find my Ant Mountain™ instructions?
Click HERE for your Ant Mountain™ instructions.
What kind of ants are in my Ant Mountain™?
Insect Lore provides Western Harvester Ants (Pogonomyrmex occidentalis). Here are some fun facts about Harvester Ants!
Where do my ants come from?
Your Ant Mountain™ ants come from the rugged desert hills of the American Southwest. Our expert “ant wranglers” have years of experience in the delicate handling of your live ants. These professionals take special care in collecting and packing your
Can I put ants from my yard in my Ant Mountain™?
We do not recommend putting ants from your yard in your Ant Mountain™. Ant Mountain™ has been specially designed for large Harvester Ants. These are larger than most ants found in backyards. Ants you find in your backyard may be smaller than Ant Moun
When should I move my ants to their habitat?
Our ants are extremely hardy, but please do not leave them in the refrigerator for too long once you receive them. It is important that they are moved to their Ant Mountain™ habitat quickly so they can have water and food and it is especially imperat
Does my Ant Mountain™ come with a queen ant?
Your ant order does not come with a Queen Ant. It is against USDA regulations to ship Queen Ants.
Can I touch my ants?
Do not open Ant Mountain™ to touch your ants. Harvester Ants may bite, sting, or even escape. It's best to just observe your ants as they build their tunnels and rooms, and only open the Ant Mountain™ to offer them food.
Should I provide food for my ants?
Believe it or not, one of the worst things you can do to your ants is to give them too much water and food. Although your ants are active and seem to be working up a big appetite, it is best to feed them according to the directions. Overfeeding and o
What are Ant Refills?
If you already have an Ant Mountain™ habitat and want to explore the world of ants again, we have a few options for ordering more Harvester Ants:. One tube of ants contains 25 Harvester Ants. Two tubes of ants contains 50 Harvester Ants (25 per tube)
Do my ants have enough air?
Yes, the dome of the Ant Mountain™ provides enough air for their tiny lungs.
How do I care for my Ant Mountain™?
It is best to place Ant Mountain™ in a quiet, secure spot where everyone can have a clear view of the habitat. You don’t want to disturb your ants while they are busy building their rooms and tunnels.
Can I reuse my Ant Mountain™?
If you want to experience the joy of your Ant Mountain™ again, all you need to do is order an ant refill:. One tube of ants contains 25 Harvester Ants. Two tubes of ants contains 50 Harvester Ants (25 per tube). Ant Mountain™ Refill comes with a tube
Should I release my ants?
Your ants should remain within the Ant Mountain™ for the entirety of their life cycle. Without a queen they will not survive outside to form their own colony. Their life cycle within the Ant Mountain™ should last 2-4 weeks.
Are the ants in my Ant Mountain Male or Female?
The ants in your Ant Mountain are all female worker ants. Worker ants are exclusively female, and they do all of the jobs in the colony. From foraging and defending the colony, to caring for the larvae and the queen, the worker ants perform any and a
What Should I Do when My Tube of Ants Arrives
Here's what you should do when your Tube of Ants arrives.