Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Absolutely! Our ant farms make unique and educational gifts for both children and adults.

If you’re purchasing a complete starter kit with a live ant colony, the ants can safely remain in their test tube for 5 to 6 weeks before being introduced to the ant farm.

The test tube already contains fresh water and is designed to keep the colony comfortable during this period. Simply store the colony indoors at normal room temperature, away from direct sunlight. No additional care is required until you’re ready to set up the farm.

Depending on the kit you choose, your order may include:

• Ant farm (formicarium)
• Live queen ant with workers and brood
• Test tube
• Starter food
• Feeding dish
• Auto-humidification system
• Care instructions
• Lifetime warranty on the ant farm
• Live Arrival Guarantee for the colony

Please check the product page for the exact contents of your selected kit.

Under normal use, no.

Every Ant Farms Calgary ant farm is carefully inspected before shipping to ensure all parts fit securely. When assembled correctly with the lid closed, your ants will remain safely inside.

During feeding or cleaning, a few curious workers may explore nearby, but they naturally return to their queen and colony.

Most colonies can comfortably remain in their test tube for 5 to 6 weeks after arrival.

The tube provides everything they need, including water and a safe nesting area. There is no need to rush them into the ant farm.

This is one of the most common questions we receive.

Many colonies prefer to stay inside the familiar test tube for several days or even weeks before moving.

To encourage them:

• Keep the nest dark.
• Leave the arena exposed to normal room light.
• Be patient.
• If necessary, gently tap or shake the ants into the arena. This will not harm them.

Eventually they will move into the nest on their own.

We recommend decorating the arena only after the colony has fully settled into the nest.

This usually takes a few days. Once the ants begin using the arena as their waste area, remove any debris before adding decorations.

Feeding depends on the species, but usually sweet syrup and any protein.

For example harvest ants

Harvest ants naturally store seeds and usually only need additional seeds every 2 to 3 months, depending on the size of the colony.

Suitable seeds include:

• Chia
• Flax
• Millet
• Mustard
• Poppy
• Pumpkin
• Watermelon

You can also occasionally offer:

• Apple
• Pear
• Banana
• Boiled potato

Avoid citrus fruits.

Yes.

Protein is essential for raising healthy brood and helping the colony grow.

We recommend feeding protein twice per week.

Suitable protein sources include:

• Mealworms
• Crickets
• Boiled egg white
• Plain boiled chicken
• Plain boiled shrimp

Never feed insects collected outdoors because they may carry parasites, pesticides or diseases.

Remove any leftover protein after approximately 12 hours.

Avoid feeding:

• Citrus fruits
• Chocolate
• Salty foods
• Spicy foods
• Processed foods
• Moldy food
• Foods containing preservatives

If you’re unsure whether a food is safe, contact us before feeding it to your colony.

Healthy colonies grow best when they receive:

• Protein twice per week
• Proper humidity
• Stable room temperature
• Fresh drinking water
• Minimal disturbance

Growth speed depends on the species, the age of the queen and environmental conditions.

This depends entirely on the species.

Some colonies may reach several hundred workers within a year, while others grow much more slowly.

As your colony grows, you may eventually need to expand your ant farm.

Most Ant Farms Calgary models are modular and designed to grow with your colony.

You can expand:

• 2XL
• 3XL
• 3XV
• 4XL
• 5XV

by adding extra nest modules or additional arenas.

Only the XL model cannot be expanded.

Yes.

Our ant farms include an auto-humidification system that helps maintain moisture while you’re away.

Before leaving:

• Feed your colony.
• Refill the humidification tube.
• Thoroughly moisten the nest.

For longer vacations, placing a small water source inside the arena is also recommended.

Small amounts of mold can occur if the nest is too wet or leftover food remains too long.

If your ants haven’t moved into the nest yet:

• Open the top lid.
• Carefully clean the mold.
• Reduce the amount of moisture.

Always remove leftover protein after about 12 hours.

The nest should remain slightly moist but never soaking wet.

The frequency depends on your home’s temperature and humidity.

If condensation appears inside the nest, it has been overwatered.

Normally, no.

Ventilation is only necessary if heavy condensation forms after overwatering.

Simply remove the arena lid until the excess moisture disappears, then close it again.

Usually not.

Worker ants are naturally curious, but they prefer staying close to their queen and nest.

For larger colonies, we recommend using an anti-escape barrier during cleaning.

Remove leftover food, seed shells and waste regularly.

Cleaning is easiest using:

• Tweezers
• Cotton swabs
• Feeding dishes

Keeping the arena clean helps prevent mold and keeps the colony healthy.

This is completely normal after:

• Shipping
• Moving into a new nest
• Before hibernation
• During colder temperatures

Give the colony time to settle and avoid disturbing them unnecessarily.

Most species we sell are gentle and rarely bite.

Even if they do, the bite is usually mild and harmless for most people.

Yes.

Ant farms are excellent educational pets that teach responsibility, biology and observation skills.

Adult supervision is recommended for younger children during feeding and cleaning.

Depending on the species, a queen ant can live 10 to 20 years, and sometimes even longer.

Worker ants generally live from several months to a few years.

Without a queen, the colony cannot produce new workers.

The remaining workers will gradually die of old age.

If your queen dies, contact us. We’ll review the situation and do our best to help.

Some species require winter hibernation, while others do not.

Harvest Ants do not require hibernation.

Species such as Camponotus and Formica generally need about 3 to 4 months of hibernation each winter.

Please check your species care guide for specific recommendations.

Generally, no.

Most ant species will fight until only one queen survives.

Only certain species naturally accept multiple queens.

No.

Pet ant colonies should remain in captivity.

Releasing ants into the environment can harm local ecosystems and may not be legal depending on the species and your location.

If your ant farm or accessories are damaged during shipping, contact us within 48 hours and include photos or videos.

We’ll quickly arrange a replacement.

Every live colony is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

If your colony arrives deceased, contact us immediately with clear photos, and we’ll resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

All Ant Farms Calgary ant farms are proudly designed and manufactured in Canada.

Every ant farm is assembled, inspected and tested before shipping to ensure the highest quality.

Yes.

We use durable acrylic, non-toxic materials and carefully inspect every ant farm before shipping to ensure it is safe for both the ants and their keepers.

No.

Regular tap water is suitable in most areas.

If your local tap water contains very high levels of chlorine or minerals, allowing it to sit for several hours before use is recommended.

No.

A properly maintained ant farm has little to no odor.

Removing leftover food promptly and keeping the arena clean will prevent unpleasant smells.

This is completely normal.

Ants regularly move their eggs, larvae and pupae to different areas of the nest to maintain the ideal temperature and humidity.

This is normal behavior.

Many species naturally adjust the nest entrances to improve security and regulate humidity.

No.

Wild insects may carry parasites, bacteria or pesticide residue that could harm your colony.

Always use feeder insects intended for pet use or safe protein alternatives.

Very little.

Most colonies only require:

• Regular humidity checks
• Occasional feeding
• Arena cleaning every few weeks

We’re always happy to help!

If you have any questions before or after your purchase, simply contact Ant Farms Calgary through our Contact page, email or WhatsApp. We want every customer and every colony to have the best possible experience.