Ant-keeping FAQ

Queens'N'Colonies — Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Is ant keeping good for beginners?

Yes. With the right setup, ant keeping can be one of the easiest and most fascinating pets to start with. Ant colonies are quiet, compact, low-maintenance, and perfect for people who enjoy observing nature up close.

Queens'N'Colonies is built to make the hobby easier with beginner-friendly species, clean modular habitats, matched supplies, and support if you have questions.

Are ants low-maintenance pets?

Yes. Most colonies only need simple routine care: water, proper humidity, occasional sugar, protein, and a secure setup.

Unlike most pets, ants do not need daily handling, large spaces, or constant attention. As the colony grows, they become more active and interesting to watch over time.

Are ants good pets for kids?

Yes, with adult supervision. Ants are best as observation pets, not handling pets. The setup should stay closed, secure, and away from rough handling.

For younger keepers, we recommend beginner-friendly species and a simple starter setup.

Do ants need a lot of space?

No. Many colonies start very small and only need more space as they grow. A young colony should not be placed into a huge setup too early.

That is why modular habitats are useful: you can start small, then expand only when the colony actually needs more room.

What do I need to start keeping ants?

A proper beginner setup usually includes:

• a queen or starter colony
• a secure nest or founding setup
• an outworld / foraging area
• water or humidity source
• sugar source
• protein food
• basic feeding and maintenance tools

QNC starter kits are designed to match the colony, habitat, and supplies together so beginners can start confidently.

I'm completely new. Where should I start?

Start with a beginner-friendly species and a simple setup.

If you want to watch the colony grow from the very beginning, start with a queen or founding colony. If you want activity sooner, an established colony with workers is usually more exciting for beginners.

If you are unsure, contact QNC and we'll help you choose the right first setup.

Starter Kits & Purchasing

What comes in a starter kit?

Starter kit contents vary by product, but a QNC beginner kit may include:

• a beginner-friendly queen or colony
• a nest or founding setup
• an outworld / foraging area
• food and feeding supplies
• basic setup and care instructions

Each product page will clearly list exactly what is included.

How much does a starter kit cost?

Starter kit pricing depends on the species, colony size, habitat size, and supplies included.

Prices are listed directly on each product page before checkout.

Can I buy a habitat without ants?

Yes. You can buy QNC habitats, modular nests, outworlds, food, and supplies without buying ants from us.

This is useful if you already have a colony or want to prepare your setup before purchasing ants.

Can I use a QNC habitat with ants bought elsewhere?

Yes, as long as the colony is the right size for the habitat and the species' care needs match the setup.

If you are unsure whether your colony is ready for a specific QNC habitat, contact us before moving them in.

Do you offer local pickup?

Local pickup may be available by request. Please contact us before ordering if you are nearby and would prefer pickup over shipping.

Queens & Colonies

Should I start with a queen or an established colony?

Starting with a queen is special because you get to watch the colony grow from the very beginning. It is usually the most affordable option, but it requires more patience.

An established colony is better if you want activity sooner. Workers make feeding, observing, and colony growth more exciting right away.

How long does it take for a queen to get her first workers?

It depends on the species, temperature, and queen condition. Many species produce their first workers within a few weeks to a few months.

Larger species, such as Camponotus, often take longer because their brood develops more slowly.

How long do ant colonies live?

Colony lifespan depends on the species and queen health. Some colonies live for several years, while others can live much longer when cared for properly.

As long as the queen is healthy and laying eggs, the colony can continue growing over time.

What happens if my queen dies?

If a single-queen colony loses its queen, it usually cannot continue long term because the workers cannot replace her with a new fertile queen.

The remaining workers may live for a while, but the colony will slowly decline once no new workers are produced. If this happens soon after arrival, contact QNC right away with photos or video so we can review the situation.

Do you sell beginner-friendly species?

Yes. QNC product pages clearly label beginner-friendly species so first-time keepers know where to start.

Beginner species are usually chosen for easier care, simple feeding needs, and good suitability for new keepers.

Are all ant species the same to keep?

No. Different species can behave very differently. Some grow quickly, some grow slowly, some are very active, and others are calmer or more display-focused.

Each species product page includes care details and characteristics to help you choose the right colony.

Feeding & Care

What do pet ants eat?

Most colonies need three basics: sugar, protein, and water.

Sugar gives workers energy. Protein supports larvae and colony growth. Water and humidity help keep the colony healthy.

Common food options include sugar water, nectar-style foods, honey-water blends, and safe protein sources such as feeder insects.

How often do I feed my ants?

Small colonies usually need small feedings about once a week. Larger colonies may eat more often, around two to three times per week.

A good rule is to offer small amounts, watch how much they take, and remove leftovers before they spoil.

Do ants need water?

Yes. Ants need access to moisture, and most nests also need proper humidity.

QNC habitats are designed to make hydration and humidity easier to manage so keepers can spend more time observing and less time constantly rewatering.

Do ants smell?

A healthy, properly maintained ant setup should not smell bad.

Odours usually come from old food, excess moisture, mold, or poor maintenance. Removing leftovers and keeping the outworld clean helps prevent problems.

What is diapause / hibernation?

Diapause, often called hibernation in ant keeping, is a natural winter rest period. Many Canadian and temperate ant species slow down during colder months.

Activity decreases, feeding drops, and the colony rests until warmer conditions return. Hibernation needs vary by species, so always check the care information for your specific colony.

How do I hibernate my ants?

For species that need hibernation, the general process is:

• slowly reduce feeding as activity decreases
• make sure the colony has access to moisture
• place the colony in a cooler, stable location appropriate for the species
• check hydration occasionally without disturbing them too much
• gradually return them to normal room conditions after the rest period

Do not suddenly freeze or shock the colony. Hibernation should be gradual and species-specific.

Do I feed ants during hibernation?

Usually very little or not at all, depending on the species and activity level. Many colonies will not accept much food during diapause.

Hydration is more important. The colony should not dry out.

Habitats & Modular Setups

What is a formicarium?

A formicarium is a habitat designed for keeping ants. It usually includes a nesting area, where the colony lives and raises brood, and an outworld, where ants forage for food.

QNC formicariums are designed to be clean, visible, modular, and easier to expand over time.

What makes QNC habitats different?

QNC habitats are designed to make ant keeping cleaner, easier, and more display-ready.

Our habitats focus on:

• modular expansion
• clean connection points
• built-in sliding blockers
• strong visibility
• long-lasting humidity
• secure design
• eliminating messy tubing

The goal is simple: a habitat that works for the ants, looks good on display, and grows with the colony.

What size habitat do I need?

The right habitat size depends on the species, number of workers, and colony activity level.

Small colonies should stay in smaller setups. Bigger is not always better. Too much space too early can make feeding, cleaning, and waste control harder.

As a general rule, the colony should occupy a meaningful portion of the nesting space before upgrading.

Why is modular expansion important?

Ant colonies grow over time. A setup that is perfect for a young colony may eventually become too small.

With QNC modular habitats, you can start simple and expand the colony's space as it grows instead of rebuilding or moving the entire colony from scratch.

What are built-in blockers?

Built-in blockers let you control which parts of the setup are open or closed to the colony.

This allows you to start with a smaller space and open new areas only when the colony is ready, which is especially helpful for beginners.

When should I move my ants into a bigger nest?

Move ants into a bigger nest when they have clearly outgrown their current space. Signs may include crowding, heavy activity, or the colony regularly using most of the available nesting area.

Do not rush this step. Ants usually do better when the nest size matches the colony size.

How do I clean a formicarium?

Most regular cleaning should happen in the outworld, not inside the nest.

Remove old food, dead insects, and visible waste from the foraging area using tweezers or feeding tools. Avoid opening or disturbing the nest unless absolutely necessary.

For deeper cleaning, it is usually best to wait until the colony has moved into another module or temporary setup.

Shipping & Orders

Where do you ship?

We currently ship Canada-wide.

How long does shipping take?

Shipping time depends on your location, weather, and the shipping service used.

For live ants, we only ship when delivery conditions are suitable. We recommend choosing fast shipping options for orders that contain live ants or colonies.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping cost depends on your location, order size, package type, and whether live ants are included.

Shipping rates are shown at checkout before payment.

Do you ship live ants year-round?

No. Live-ant shipping depends on weather and season.

We may pause shipping during unsafe heat, cold, storms, or carrier delays. This protects the colony and gives it the best chance of arriving safely.

How are ants packaged for shipping?

Live ants are packed carefully in secure containers suited to the colony size, species, weather, and shipping method.

Packaging may include a test tube or secure colony container, moisture support, cushioning, and outer packaging designed to reduce movement during transit.

What should I do when my ants arrive?

When your ants arrive:

• bring the package inside right away
• avoid shaking or disturbing the colony
• check the colony condition
• let them rest in a quiet place
• follow the included setup instructions
• contact QNC immediately if anything looks wrong

Do not dump ants into a new setup unless the instructions specifically say to.

What is the live arrival guarantee, and how do I file a claim?

We stand behind every live colony we ship. If your ants arrive in poor condition, you are covered as long as you document the issue and contact us within 24 hours of delivery.

To submit a live arrival claim:

• if there is visible damage, take clear photos or video of the unopened package
• take clear photos or video of the ants in their arrival container, before transferring them anywhere
• contact us within 24 hours of delivery
• include your order number, delivery time, photos/video, and a short explanation
• do not throw away the package or colony container until we have reviewed the claim

Eligible claims may be handled through replacement, store credit, refund, or another resolution depending on the situation and policy.

What is not covered by the live arrival guarantee?

Live arrival coverage may not apply if the issue is caused by:

• missed delivery
• package left outside too long
• incorrect shipping address
• customer unavailable to receive the package
• opening or disturbing the colony container before documenting the issue
• failure to contact QNC within the 24-hour claim window
• unsafe temperatures after delivery
• delays caused by customer pickup failure
• ants transferred into a new setup before the claim is reviewed

Can I return live ants?

Because ants are live animals, live-ant returns are usually not accepted once shipped or received.

If there is a problem with your order, contact us right away and we will review the situation.

Safety & Responsible Keeping

Are ants safe around other pets?

Ant colonies should be kept in a closed, secure setup away from pets.

Do not let cats, dogs, reptiles, birds, or other animals disturb the habitat. Even if the ants are secure, another pet could knock over the setup, stress the colony, or damage the enclosure.

What do I do if ants escape?

Stay calm and act quickly.

• close the room door
• move pets and food away from the area
• check the habitat for open lids, gaps, plugs, or connection points
• use a small bait, such as sugar water, to attract workers to one place
• carefully collect escaped workers if possible
• secure the setup before reconnecting or reopening anything
• contact QNC if you cannot find the issue

Do not release the colony outdoors.

Can I release my ants outside?

No. Captive ants should never be released outdoors.

Even if a species seems common, releasing captive colonies can be harmful and irresponsible. If you can no longer care for a colony, contact QNC for guidance.

What species are legal to keep in Canada?

You don't need to navigate this on your own — that's our job. QNC only offers species we are able to source and sell responsibly under Canadian requirements, so anything you buy from us is something we have already vetted on our end.

The one rule for customers: do not import ants yourself or move ants across borders, as this can involve requirements most keepers aren't aware of. As long as you buy from us and keep your colony responsibly, compliance is handled.

Classrooms, Offices & Gifts

Are ant colonies good for classrooms?

Yes. Ant colonies can make excellent classroom displays because they show growth, organization, teamwork, life cycles, and natural behaviour in a way students can observe over time.

They are quiet, compact, and do not require handling.

Are ants good office or desk pets?

Yes. Ant colonies make excellent desk displays because they are quiet, compact, and relaxing to watch.

A clean modular setup can act like a living display piece — something that changes over time without needing constant attention.

Do ant colonies make good gifts?

Yes, especially for people who enjoy nature, science, animals, desk setups, or unique experiences.

For gift buyers, a starter kit or established beginner colony is usually better than buying random parts separately.

Support

What if I do not know which species to choose?

Reach out to us. We are happy to help you choose based on what you want: beginner-friendly, active, fast-growing, display-focused, low-maintenance, or more unique.

What if I have questions after buying?

You can always contact us. QNC is built to support keepers before and after purchase, especially beginners starting their first colony.

Do you provide care guides?

Yes. QNC provides care information to help with feeding, hydration, hibernation, setup size, and species-specific needs.