What to Feed Ants in an Ant Farm

There are more than 10,000 species of ants, and some of them can pull foods back to their homes that weigh 50 times more than they do. This might be the way of things in the outside world, but the ants living inside your ant farm are obliged to you for their meals.

  1. Water

    • Like any other living creature, ants need a regular water supply. Use either an eye dropper or your fingertips to give them a few drops of water every day. Simply drop them on the soil. Be careful not to put too much at a time--ants can drown in very little water.

    Food

    • Ants eat a variety of food and have preferences depending on the species. All of them will eat apples, lettuce and celery--these are crisper foods that won't get too mushy and be difficult for the ant to eat. Give them two or three small pieces of each or any of these every two days.

      You'll know you're putting out too much food if it is still there after two days. If that's the case, remove the leftovers and feed less. Removing the old food will eliminate the possibility of mold.

      You might find that ants will change their eating habits as seasons change, and it sometimes helps to mix in other foods. Some ants seem to enjoy tuna, dry cat food, cookie crumbs, bits of bread and dead insects.

    Treats and Extras

    • No matter how well you care for them, your ants will live only about three to six months, so you might give them a treat. You can soak a paper towel or a cotton ball in water mixed with sugar or honey. Drop it into your farm and watch your ants have a feast.

      Add some small plants to make the farm a true home and provide another supply of water. Moisture will form on the sides of the farm but is not a threat to the ants. In fact, the plants can provide more shelter and make the ants' habitat more authentic.