Ant Colony Adoption & Rehoming Service UK

Responsible help for unwanted queen ants and ant colonies

We understand that circumstances can change. Sometimes an owner may no longer have the time, confidence or suitable setup needed to care for an ant colony properly.

Please do not feel embarrassed about asking for help. Choosing to surrender a colony responsibly is far better than neglecting it or releasing it outdoors.

Best Ants UK has cared for and rehomed established ant colonies for many years. Depending on the species, health and condition of the colony, it may remain in our care, be placed with an experienced keeper or suitable organisation, or be offered for sale to a responsible new owner.

Never Release Captive Ants Into the Wild

Please never release a captive ant colony outdoors.

Releasing captive ants—particularly non-native species—can be illegal and may harm native wildlife, local ant populations and the wider ecosystem.

We also strongly discourage the release of captive native species. Their exact origin and health status may be unknown, and introducing them into another location could spread parasites, disease or incompatible genetics. A captive colony may also struggle to survive after becoming dependent on controlled conditions and regular feeding.

There is no need to release or destroy an unwanted colony. Please contact us first so we can discuss safer options.

How the Adoption Process Works

Before sending any ants, please contact us using the Contact form below and provide:

The species name, if known
The approximate number of workers
Whether the queen appears alive and healthy
Whether the colony has eggs, larvae or pupae
Details of its current test tube, nest or ant farm
A clear photograph of the colony
Your Best Ants UK order number, where applicable

Every surrender request is assessed individually. Acceptance depends on the species, condition of the colony, available quarantine space and whether the ants can be transported safely.

Please do not post a colony until you have received written confirmation from Best Ants UK.

Once the colony has been accepted, we will provide the delivery address and any necessary packing instructions.

What Happens After the Colony Arrives?

Every accepted colony is placed into quarantine for a minimum of 14 days and assessed for:

Queen and worker health
Parasites, mites or other pests
Mould or contamination
Brood condition
Signs of stress or disease
Overall colony stability

After quarantine and assessment, the colony may:

Remain in the care of Best Ants UK
Be rehomed with an experienced ant keeper
Be transferred to a suitable educational organisation or animal facility
Be offered for sale to a responsible new owner

Charging a rehoming fee helps ensure the new keeper is committed and properly prepared. It also contributes towards quarantine, feeding, housing, treatment, equipment and the ongoing care of surrendered colonies.

We cannot guarantee when or how quickly a particular colony will be rehomed.

Ownership and Resale

Once an accepted colony has been delivered to Best Ants UK, ownership of the colony transfers permanently to Best Ants UK.

Best Ants UK may care for, rehome, transfer or resell the colony at its discretion, according to the colony’s welfare and suitability.

The original owner will not retain any ownership rights and cannot request the colony back after it has been accepted and received.

Refunds, Payments and Store Credit

Our adoption and rehoming service is not a refund or buyback service.

We cannot provide:

Payment for surrendered colonies
Refunds for the original purchase
Store credit
Replacement ants or equipment
Reimbursement of postage costs
A share of any future rehoming or sale fee

Any future payment received for the colony helps cover the costs involved in quarantine, assessment, feeding, housing and responsible rehoming.

Colonies Purchased Elsewhere

We may also be able to accept colonies that were not originally purchased from Best Ants UK.

These requests are considered individually. Please contact us with the species, colony size, condition, origin and clear photographs before arranging delivery.

We reserve the right to decline any colony that we cannot safely or responsibly accommodate.

Nests, Outworlds and Equipment

Unless we specifically ask for them, please do not send ant farms, nests, outworlds, heating equipment or accessories with the colony.

Any equipment sent to Best Ants UK will be treated as a permanent donation. It may be cleaned, reused, recycled or disposed of depending on its condition.

Donated equipment cannot be returned.

Where possible, the colony should be transported securely inside a suitable test tube setup or another container approved by us.

Postage and Packing

The person surrendering the colony is responsible for all packing and postage costs.

The colony must be:

Securely contained
Protected from crushing and excessive movement
Packed with suitable insulation
Protected from extreme heat or cold
Clearly addressed
Sent using the delivery service agreed with us

We normally recommend a fast, tracked postal service. Specific recommendations may vary depending on the weather, species and colony size.

Best Ants UK cannot accept responsibility for colonies posted without prior approval or packaged contrary to the instructions provided.

Ready to Request Adoption?

Please contact Best Ants UK with the information and photographs listed above. Use the Contact form below.

We will review the colony’s circumstances and let you know whether we can accept it. Please wait for our confirmation before sending anything.

Responsible surrender gives an unwanted colony the best possible chance of receiving suitable long-term care.

CONTACT US

via Facebook, WhatsApp, the form below or shoot us an email at:

info@bestantsuk.com

Click HERE for Frequently Asked Questions

Staines-upon-Thames, England

Ant Farms for Kids

Our Ant Farms made for Kids with live ants include everything necessary to start and dive into the ants' world. Every Ant Habitat is sold with Queen Ant and workers of Lasius Niger (Black Garden Ant Colony) or Messor Barbarus (Black Harvester Ant Colony) one of the easiest ant species to raise.