How to Start an Ant Colony – A Beginner's Guide

Ant keeping is a fast-growing hobby that lets you observe one of nature’s most organized societies up close.
If you're wondering how to start your own ant colony and what conditions ants need to thrive, this step-by-step guide will help you take your first steps as an ant keeper!

 

1. Quick Guide for the Busy:

2. How to Catch a Queen Ant

Queen ants can be caught during their nuptial flights, which occur on warm days following rain, usually between May and August. Look for winged ants on sidewalks or near lights in the evening.

Next steps with the ant queen:

• Prepare a test tube setup: Provide water and a cotton ball for humidity.

• Wait patiently: Allow the queen to lay eggs and care for her brood.

• Transfer to a formicarium: Once the first workers emerge, move the colony to a proper habitat.

• Feed appropriately: Wait for the first workers or offer sugar solutions and protein sources like insects (depending on the species)

 

3. Setting Up a Test Tube Habitat

Create a simple habitat using a test tube:

• Fill one-third with water and plug it with cotton to prevent spills.

• Insert the queen ant and seal the tube with a breathable cotton ball.

• Keep the tube in a dark, quiet place at room temperature.

4. Why Keep Ants?

Ant keeping is an educational and fascinating hobby that offers insights into complex social behaviors. It's also a low-maintenance and space-efficient way to observe nature up close.

Be sure to check out our blog post : Awaken your passion and What is interesting in ants

 

5. Which Ant Species Should You Choose as a Beginner?

For beginners, it's best to start with ant species that are easy to care for and forgiving of common mistakes. The most commonly recommended species include:

Lasius niger (Black garden ant)
The most popular choice among new ant keepers. They grow quickly, are low-maintenance, and do well in a test tube setup or a simple formicarium.

Want to learn more? Check out our guide: How to Care for Lasius niger

Messor barbarus
Known as harvester ants – they collect seeds and make "ant bread." A fascinating species with a unique way of feeding.

Curious about their diet? Read our article: Seed-Eating Ants – Meet Messor barbarus

 

6. Feeding Your Ant Colony

Initially, the queen doesn't need food until the first workers arrive. Once they do:

• Provide sugar water or honey for energy.

• Offer protein sources like small insects or specialized ant food.

Feel free to visit our site: How to feed ants and Jellies as ant food

 

7. Choosing the Right Formicarium

When the colony grows, transfer them to a formicarium. Consider options like:

• Modular formicarium – includes a nest and an arena (a space for feeding and exploration). Perfect for growing colonies.

• Acrylic formicarium – more advanced solutions that offer humidity control and an aesthetic appearance.

• Cork formicarium – ideal for ants that prefer soft nests.
• Plaster formicarium – mimics natural conditions; be cautious with the amount of water used.

 

Looking for a ready-made set? Check out our beginner-friendly formicariums.

 

8. Safety and Maintenance

• Keep the formicarium out of direct sunlight.

• Maintain appropriate humidity levels.

• Regularly clean feeding areas to prevent mold.

• Use barriers like fluon to prevent escapes.

9. Conclusion

Starting an ant colony is a rewarding experience that requires patience and attention to detail. With the right setup and care, you can observe the fascinating world of ants right in your home.

 

Author: Piotr Rachwał
About Piotr: Insect enthusiast, founder of the AntCenter brand, and promoter of ant keeping in Poland. For years, he has been designing and testing optimal formicarium setups and supporting beginner ant keepers. Privately, he’s a traveler, forest lover, and black coffee aficionado. Find more tips on the AntCenter blog or YouTube channel.