Add sand or soil to my omni nest?

[mdzarate]

Hello all,

Is it a good idea to add either sand or soil to my omni nest? I have a formica queen and soon will have her little workers ready to move to the formicarium, but I am wondering if adding some kind of sand or soil will make them feel more in a natural environment. I am guessing the will move the sand around, etc.

What are the pros or cons of doing this?

How much to add if it is a good idea?

What type to use for my formica queen?

By the way, do formica ants like to keep the nest warm, very humid, little humid, or dry?

Thanks!

[Camponotus]

Pros- You get to see the ants dig out their home

Cons- Sand can fall out of the nest, mold can grow, etc.

I don't use soil in my nests because it gets messy and moldy and i don't want to deal with those extra problems.

Congratulations on your Queen!!

[mdzarate]

Actually I got 4 queens! all capture within 15 minutes of walking by my house and only 1 block away from home

Not sure if I should sell the others or wait to see which produces more eggs? hmm