Ants may have died????

[lfcfan]

For a few days my weather in Milton Keynes hasn't been bad, but Monday and today(Tuesday) It has been boiling, but I have not seen a sign of my ants. I live in back of my house so I always get the sun. So my room is always hot, But I'm worried that my ants may have died over the winter hibernation.

Can anyone Give me some info how to check. Should I dig them up or something?

Thanks for any help

[Wood~Ant]

Give it another 2 weeks, and if you still see no sign of the ants then it is probable that the colony has died out; but it may still be in hibernation at present
If they have died off, the next 2 weeks will tell you for certain I think

What species are they, as this could have an effect on their hibernation period?

[Kyle]

I agree with Wood give it a few weeks and see, but if the nest is only small then it could be they are only coming out at night to forage, or they could be less active (I'm guessing they were more active before hibernation?) if they have no/few larva to feed and the queen is not laying eggs yet, then they have little need to forage (for protein), try giving some honeywater and see if its gone by morning.

[lfcfan]

They are Lasuis niger and they were very active before they hibernated, they were out everyday feeding. I do admit I didn't get them much protien, but there was always honey water or fruit and there was about 25+ ants there when I moved them into the tank.

Thanks for the help.

[Wood~Ant]

If it's any help, I too have a small Lasius niger colony from the mating flight last year. The queen and her workers took up residence in the plastic tubing leading into the set up, along with a few larvae.

They haven't moved from this spot, but are still alive as I see them move every day when they warm up; but if this didn't happen, it could be easy to mistake that the colony had died.
However, although they are still rather dormant, they are all alive and well, even though I don't see any workers come out to feed

[lfcfan]

Its quite a bit of reassurance. I think I'm gonna leave food for em and give it 2 weeks, thats if the weather stays good.

cheers

[lfcfan]

I haven't seen a sign of my ants so I have decided to dig em up to see for sure, but on the odd chance they are alive what would be the best way to dig them up and look through the sand?

[Wood~Ant]

Remove the soil a bit at a time and carefully look through it. This is best done on a sheet of newspaper or better still, white drawing paper. Once you've checked the bit of sand/soil then pop it into a plastic bowl, then take out a bit more and repeat the process.

It is a long job, but at least you'll be able to see any signs of life. If you do find ants alive, place them into a jar with a lid on it so you can rehome them later, assuming of course that their queen is among the living

[lfcfan]

Well not the best ending, didn't find much. I found what looked like the abdomen of a queen, but that's all. I obviously picked the wrong sand because underneath the top layer it was just was big hard stones of sand if you get me, well better luck for this years mating flights

thanks for the advise

P.S What sort of sand should I buy for L.Niger to nest in
thanks ?

[Wood~Ant]

It really depends on what grade of sand you were using, and what kind of set up you want to use next time to keep your ants in?
Fine sand works well in an upright set up, but never let it get dry or it will collapse very quickly. To be safe, sand is always best mixed with some moisture holding medium like peat, vermiculite, loam or fine clay soil, as sand or any soil which becomes bone dry will simply fall apart and bury ants beneath it. The result is usually fatal as the ants get buried alive and cannot dig out of soil which keeps caving in.
Just damp mind you, never wet. As a guide, a handful of soil should form a ball, but it should fall apart when you touch it