Ant Sugar Water

[wyldfyre6]

I have an ant question I have tried but cannot find online. I need to know how much sugar to put in the sugar water for my harvester ant colony. The are currently in an ac hybrid nest. Do you know how much sugar to put in the sugar water in a test tube setup?

[NKantsalberta]

I don't think I've ever seen a specific measurement either. I generally mix a few teaspoons into 1/2 cup of hot water, until it stops dissolving, although I don't have harvester ants. However, I know a few keepers who use organic apples as their source of sugar for harvesters.

[Alaydia]

Have you tried hummingbird nectar? DO NOT USE THE RED KIND as it's poisonous to hummingbirds and will probably harm ants, too. Just read the package instructions.

Of course, the cheaper option is to simply use table sugar. I use a 1 to 4 part dilution. Seems to work well. I know I read that somewhere when I was just thinking of starting ant keeping, but for the life of me I cannot remember where.

Ninja edit - agree with above poster, give them bits of fruit as well. Harvesters especially might benefit from having fruit.