Guidelines for keeping ants

Important note on species and nature conservation

  • Risk of damage and disease: Live animals can cause damage or transmit diseases. Allergy sufferers in particular should exercise caution.
  • Release prohibited: Under no circumstances may ants be released into the wild in order to protect native and foreign flora and fauna. Releasing ants without official authorisation is a punishable offence under nature conservation legislation. We offer to take back old colonies free of charge.
  • Species identification: The ant species are identified to the best of our knowledge. In the event of subsequent changes, you have the right to return the colony.

Despatch of ants

  • Delivery area: Live animals are only shipped within the EU. Regional import regulations should be obtained from the local veterinary office.
  • Temperatures during despatch:
    • Night temperatures:
      • Northern and Central European species: >0°C (Express: >-5°C with insulation)
      • Southern European species: >+5°C (Express: >0°C with insulation)
      • Tropical species: >+10°C (Express: >+5°C with heat pack)
    • Daytime temperatures: Maximum +30°C for all species.

The ants ordered will not be dispatched outside the specified temperature ranges. They will be dispatched at the earliest possible date.

You will be informed separately by e-mail. 

Ant keeping

  • Detailed husbandry information can be found in the product descriptions of the respective species.

Problems with keeping ants

  1. ant mortality – possible causes
  • Water quality:
    • Tap water can be toxic to ants due to chlorine or copper.
    • Recommendation: Use filtered or rainwater, not distilled water.
  • Substrate:
    • Bird sand contains disinfectants that can harm ants.
    • Recommendation: Use our ready-to-use floor bases or untreated quartz sand and wash or bake beforehand.
  • Plants:
    • Live plants from DIY stores or garden centres are often treated with pesticides.
    • Recommendation: Use organic plants or plants from specialised terrarium shops.
    • Alternatively, you can also use plants that have been kept in your home for at least a year without the addition of pesticides or fertilisers.
  • Cleaning:
    • Glass cleaners and chemical agents are harmful.
    • Recommendation: Use clear water cleaning or organic cleaner.
  • Formicarium construction:
    • Materials with solvents or antibacterial silicone are unsuitable.
    • Recommendation: Use solvent-free substances or aquarium silicone.
  • Feeding:
    • Preservatives and parasites in food animals can be harmful. In addition, mass-farmed food animals are often infested with mites, which could harm the ants. 
    • Recommendation: Use organic food or insects from nature, collected away from roads and fields that may be contaminated with pesticides.
  • Temperature:
    • Formicaria can heat up considerably due to direct sunlight.
    • Recommendation: Use a thermometer with min/max function.
  • Hibernation:
    • During hibernation, make sure the nest is moist to avoid drying out.
  1. queen does not lay eggs – possible causes
  • Season: European species do not lay eggs in autumn/winter.
  • Stress: Transport or nest disturbances can unsettle the queen.
  • Protein deficiency: Brood development requires protein-rich food.
  • Hidden eggs: Eggs can be found in the transport container or in the cotton wool.
  • Climate: Optimum conditions (substrate, darkness, temperature, humidity) are essential.
  • Recommendation: Beginners should choose species for which many experience reports are available.

These guidelines provide basic information on how to keep ants successfully. If you have any questions or problems, it is recommended that you contact experienced keepers or specialised shops.