FAQ

Absolutely. Ant farms are memorable, educational gifts for children and adults. If your kit includes a live colony, the ants can usually remain safely in their prepared test tube for five to six weeks. Keep the tube indoors at normal room temperature and away from direct sunlight.

Contents vary by product. A complete kit may include a formicarium, queen with workers and brood, test tube, starter food, feeding dish, humidification system, care instructions, a lifetime farm warranty, and our Live Arrival Guarantee. Check the product page for the exact list.

Contact us within 48 hours and include clear photos or video of the damage. We’ll review it promptly and arrange the appropriate solution.

Live colonies are protected by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Contact us right away with clear photos so we can review and resolve the issue.

Not when the farm is assembled correctly and the lid is secured. Every Ant Farms Canada habitat is inspected before shipping. During feeding or cleaning, curious workers may explore, so work carefully and use an anti-escape barrier for larger colonies.

Most colonies can remain comfortable for five to six weeks. The tube provides water and a protected nesting space, so there is no need to rush the move.

This is normal. A colony may remain in its familiar tube for days or weeks. Keep the nest dark, leave the arena in normal room light, and be patient. Avoid forcing the move unless necessary.

Wait until the colony has settled into the nest and established a waste area. Clean away debris first, then add ant-safe decorations without blocking access points.

Yes. They’re excellent educational pets for learning biology, patience, and responsibility. Adult supervision is recommended during feeding, watering, and cleaning.

Needs vary by species, but most colonies require a carbohydrate source and regular protein. Harvest ants also store seeds and may need a refill only every two to three months, depending on colony size.

Good options include chia, flax, millet, mustard, poppy, pumpkin, and watermelon seeds. Small pieces of apple, pear, banana, or boiled potato may be offered occasionally. Avoid citrus.

Yes. Protein supports brood development and colony growth. Offer an appropriate source about twice per week, such as mealworms, crickets, boiled egg white, plain cooked chicken, or plain cooked shrimp. Remove leftovers after roughly 12 hours.

Do not offer citrus, chocolate, salty or spicy food, processed food, moldy food, or products containing preservatives. Never use insects collected outdoors because they may carry pesticides, parasites, or disease.

Reduced appetite is common after shipping, during a move, before hibernation, or in cooler temperatures. Give the colony time to settle and avoid unnecessary disturbance.

Provide suitable protein, stable humidity, fresh water, an appropriate temperature, and minimal disturbance. Growth also depends on species, queen age, and seasonal conditions.

That depends on the species. Some reach hundreds of workers within a year, while others grow slowly. As numbers increase, the colony may need extra nest or arena space.

Usually not. Most species will fight until one queen remains. Only combine queens when the species is known to naturally accept multiple queens.

Keep the nest slightly moist, never soaked. Frequency depends on the farm, species, room temperature, and local humidity. Condensation is a sign that the nest may have been overwatered.

Remove leftover food and accessible mold, then reduce moisture. Protein should generally be removed after about 12 hours. If the problem continues, contact us for advice specific to your setup.

Normally, no extra ventilation is needed. If heavy condensation forms, briefly open the arena lid in a secure location until excess moisture clears, then close it again.

Regularly remove food, seed shells, and waste with tweezers or cotton swabs. Feeding dishes make cleanup easier and help prevent mold.

A properly maintained habitat has little to no odour. Promptly removing old food and keeping the arena clean prevents most smells.

Tap water is suitable in most areas. If your water is heavily chlorinated or mineral-rich, let it stand for several hours before use or choose an appropriate filtered alternative.

Most species we offer are gentle and rarely bite. If they do, the bite is generally mild for most people. Handle habitats carefully and avoid direct contact.

This is healthy behaviour. Workers move brood to areas with the best temperature and humidity.

Many species use seeds, sand, or debris to adjust entrances for security and humidity control. It is usually normal.

Depending on the species and care, a queen may live 10 to 20 years or longer. Workers generally live from several months to a few years.

Without a queen, the colony cannot produce new workers and will gradually decline. Contact Ant Farms Canada so we can review the situation and suggest next steps.

Some species do and others do not. Harvest ants generally do not require hibernation, while species such as Camponotus and Formica often need a winter rest of roughly three to four months. Follow the care guide for your species.

For a short trip, feed the colony, refill its water source, and set humidity correctly before leaving. For longer absences, consider our Hotel for Ants boarding service.

No. Pet colonies should remain in captivity. Releasing ants can harm local ecosystems and may be illegal depending on the species and location.

Most colonies need regular humidity checks, occasional feeding, and routine arena cleaning. The schedule depends on colony size and species.

Many Ant Farms Canada models are modular. The 2XL, 3XL, 3XV, 4XL, and 5XV can be expanded with additional nest modules or arenas. The XL model is not expandable.

Ant Farms Canada habitats are proudly designed and manufactured in Canada. Each farm is assembled, inspected, and tested before shipping.

Yes. We use durable acrylic and non-toxic materials selected for ant keeping, and every habitat is checked before it leaves us.