A good nest gives the colony darkness, moisture it can choose and enough room to grow. Here are the common nest types and how to combine a nest with an outworld.
Nest types
- Test tube. The usual start for a queen or a small colony: a tube with a water reservoir sealed with cotton. Simple, cheap and easy to observe.
- Ytong (aerated concrete). Carved chambers hold moisture well and suit many species, including harvester ants.
- Plaster. Moulded nests that hold moisture and can be cast in different shapes.
- Acrylic. Clear, easy to clean and good for observation. Moisture comes from a reservoir or a damp section.
- Naturalistic setups. Soil, sand and plants in a larger enclosure for species that enjoy digging.
Moisture without mould
Ants need a moisture gradient: a damp area for the brood and a drier area where they can retreat. Keep one part of the nest moist and the rest dry. Wet all over invites mould, and dry all over stresses the brood.
The outworld
The outworld is the foraging area attached to the nest. It holds the food and water and should have:
- A secure lid with fine ventilation mesh.
- An escape barrier on the walls: a smooth coating such as PTFE-based paint, or a smooth edge the ants cannot climb.
- A way to remove leftovers easily.
Matching the nest to the species
- Lasius niger: starts in a test tube and moves to a Ytong, plaster or acrylic nest.
- Harvester ants (see harvester ant care): a nest with a moist brood area and a dry seed store; Messor barbarus is a deep-nesting species.
- Myrmecocystus mexicanus: a deep nest with sandy substrate and tall chambers where the repletes can hang.
- Atta cephalotes: several connected containers for the fungus garden.
- Dinomyrmex gigas: large, moisture-holding chambers.
When to move the colony
Move the colony to a larger nest when the current one becomes crowded, not before. A small colony in a very large nest has trouble keeping the right climate and defending its brood. Move slowly, and connect the new nest to the old one so the ants can move on their own.
Frequently asked questions
Can I build my own nest?
Yes. Many ant keepers carve their own Ytong nests or cast plaster. Make sure that the material is untreated and that the moisture is safe for the species.
How dark should the nest be?
Dark. Ants prefer to nest in darkness, so keep the nest covered and look in only when needed.
How do I stop the ants from escaping?
Use a tight lid with fine mesh and a smooth barrier at the walls. Check it regularly.
Not sure which colony is right for you?
Tell us about your experience, your space and the climate at home, and we will suggest species that fit. You can also explore the Ant Atlas or browse the shop.