How to Build an Ant Tunnel

Ants are most commonly thought of as pests. However, they also can be exciting pets to be kept by both kids and adults. Ants are low maintenance pets, and are inexpensive to keep. Many types of ant farms are available for purchase. Gel habitats are easier to maintain than the traditional ant farms. The ants tunnel through the translucent gel, which also provides the only food and water the ants require. The habitat requires very little setup: three starter tunnels for the ants. From there, the ants will create their own tunnels and colony in the habitat.

Things You'll Need

  • Ant gel tunnel habitat
  • Ants
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Instructions

    • 1

      Research keeping ants as a pet. Purchase or borrow books about pet ants from a nearby public library, or read about them online.

    • 2

      Purchase an ant gel tunnel habitat. These can be found at several online stores, such as thinkgeek.com, fascinations.com and geek.com.

    • 3

      Assemble the habitat. Remove the habitat lid and discard the plastic liner and oxygen absorption packet. Use the tunnel starter tool to make three tunnels in the gel, spaced evenly apart and 2 inches deep.

    • 4

      Purchase ants online, or collect ants from outside. When collecting ants from outside, find large ants that are nesting in the ground. These ants will be more likely to tunnel.

    • 5

      Place the ants in the habitat, close the lid and watch as the ants create an intricate web of tunnels in the habitat.