are starting to collect and I haven't seen anything on Hibernation for Founding Colonies with newly caught queens laying their first eggs.Location: Gilbert Az
Current Temps where ants are kept: (Outside patio storage closet in an apartment) 80-92 degrees F.
Species: Still haven't ID'd mine but I'm almost positive i have either Lasius or Solenopsis or Tetra. Lol Sorry. Not entirely sure but i know they aren't Pogonomerex or Camponotus (Large specieis)
Currently, I have about 25-30 test tube setups with potential queens in test tube setups in this patio closet. I keep them there cause its warmer than my 76 degree apartment. I don't have any heating cables or nests yet since I just started so keeping them warm outside seems best right now as they are developing.
Question: Do I need to heat Founding colonies when it gets cold this winter when they are still trying to develop their first nanitics? I'm guessing in about 3 months the temps will drop here in AZ so inside my apartment will most likely be warmer than outside where winters here can get to low 40s-50s degree F. By 3 months, I'm assuming ill have at least 3-5 workers and will need to start feeding them. So what do you guys recommend?
Bring them inside when temps drop and run a heating cable at one end of the tube? Or just bring them inside at temps of 70-75 (winter temps) and no heating cable?