How to care for and look after Lasius Niger (Black Garden Ant Farm at home)?
 
Black ants are generally docile and won't sting or bite.
Lasius Niger-Black Garden Ant is known for their resilience and ability to easily adapt to different environments, making this ant species perfect for beginners. We offer healthy ant colonies raised by ourselves from a queen ant. Black Ants are ideal for educational purposes and make great pets for homes and classrooms.
 
Development - egg to an adult worker. 6–8 weeks
The eggs hatch into larvae in about 21 to 28 days, and within a further 30–35 days, these larvae turn into adult ants. 
More precisely:
egg to larvae: approx. 10 -12 days, 
larvae to pupae: approx. 10 -14 days, 
pupae to a worker: approx. 10–24 days (depending on the temperature inside the nest, 20-26 degrees C, the warmer, the faster the development). 
 
Caring for Black Ants
Queen ants don’t usually need feeding until their first workers (aka nanitics) arrive.
• First of all, keep in mind that we'll feed the ants before dispatch. Also, once you receive your ant farm and ant colony, leave the parcel unopened for 4–5 hours at room temperature, so your ants can get used to their new environment. 
Then check if your queen ant is safe and sound, and leave your ants for 4–5 days to relax after their journey to you. Do not feed or disturb the ants during this period! Please keep them in a dark place with no vibrations, at a room temperature of 18-25 C (away from daily household activities).
• Checking them once 24 hours after arrival is enough.

Feeding your ants
• What ant food do your ants need? You can feed them Protein Jelly or small insects, which you can crush like fruit flies, crickets, and locusts, for example.
• The Protein Jelly is a good, convenient way to feed your queens and workers all they need. We have recently upgraded our Protein Jelly's formula so that it has everything the ants need. No more live food, no more mess and waste!
• Also, you must give your colony organic honey (included in our Ant Farm Kits).
How to feed your ants honey or jelly? Watch the video tutorial.

Hibernation
• The hibernation process is not a must!
• Ants hibernate in winter as food is scarce in the wild. They need to hibernate from November till April, so keep them in a cool area around 10–15 Degrees Celsius.
 
What ant farm?
Ant Farm requirements: 
Air humidity: outworld: 30 - 50% and in the nest: 50 - 70%; 
Temperature: outworld: overnight 18 and maximum daily temperature 28°C. In the nest area: 20 - 24°C. 
Suitable ant farms are the A7 Ant Farm and the A6 Complete Ant Setup. If you'd like to monitor the temperature and humidity levels inside the ant farm, then we'll recommend the A7 Plus and A6 Ant Farm Kit with Meter. 
 
FAQs
Why is my Lasius niger colony not growing?
Slow colony growth can be due to insufficient food, incorrect temperature or humidity levels, but mostly stress. Ensure you provide a varied diet and maintain a stable environment with humidity around 75% and temperatures between 20 °C (overnight) and 25°C (daily).
 
Why is my Lasius niger queen not laying eggs?
Queens may pause egg-laying due to stress, seasonal changes, or insufficient nutrition. Provide protein-rich foods and maintain a calm, warm, dark nesting area to encourage egg production.
 
What is the best food for Lasius niger?
Offer a varied diet of protein (insects) and carbohydrates (sugar water). Small insects like baby crickets, locusts or mealworms, and Ant honey are excellent choices.
 
What is the ideal nest for Lasius niger?
A test tube setup or small formicarium with proper humidity is ideal. Ensure the nest has dark areas for the queen and brood, and a separate foraging area for workers.
 
How often should I feed Lasius niger?
Feed small amounts every 2–3 days, adjusting based on colony size. Remove uneaten food to prevent mould appearance. Always provide fresh water. 
 
What temperature is optimal for Lasius niger?
Maintain temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F) for optimal colony health and growth. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
 
What humidity is optimal for Lasius niger?
Maintain air humidity between 75% and 85% for optimal colony health and growth.