Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi

I'm doing a high school lab on testing Ant Repellents, which is due November 1.(It's a level 6 lab from this website). however, I'm not sure which kind of ants would be best to use for the lab, how many would be recommended altogether (for 12 trials altogether (3 test trials for each of the 4 repellents), and where I should buy them. Also, what would be an ideal location for conducting this kind of experiment (because I've got a dog and 2 cats, all of which go outside everyday). Any help on these questions would be most appreciated. Thank you.

maybe you should conduct the expiriment in a closed area where your dogs cant get to like a bathroom or something. and just conduct the expiriment i a box. and for how many ants you should use at least 20 which you can buy a some pet stores. and depending on where you live the expiriment should not be done outside if its cold or way too hot because that temperature may affect the ants death.

[Note: Post edited by Science Buddies' staff]

Hi,

If you read the methods section of that project, you will find that you will testing the ants in an enclosed space rather than outside in the yard, so you will not expose your pets to this repellent. Make sure you wash your hands after handling the repellents if you do it yourself, but I would suggest asking an adult to help you.

If you live in a place where ants are active outside right now, you can go collect them yourself. It shouldn't matter which species you use, but you should try to take all the ants from a single colony to keep that variable controlled.

Let us know if you have any other questions!

Hi,

Thanks for the help! Both of your suggestions sound great. Unfortunately, it's very chilly in my area this time of year (not snowing or freezing though, just cold). Also, I don't live in an area where ants are currently moving about outside (on the surface). So I've ordered 100 ants (I'll be doing about 2 tests/trials simultaneously at a time) for $25 from Antsalive.com. I'm just glad that the species of ant doesn't matter. Thanks again!