Ants near tank

[Pumpkincrab]

Since you've come to the emergency forum, we know you want a fast answer to your question. In order for us to figure out the problem as quickly as possible, we ask that you answer the following questions as best you can. Some of them may seem odd, but they're all designed to give us the information we need to give you a good solution for your problem. The things in the [ brackets ] are there to make this post easier to read once submitted. Thanks!


1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
A mixture of play sand and eco earth. Over 6 inches, at the very least, probably closer to 8.

2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?
Yes, I use an AcuRite gauge. Located a bit off of the sand. Heat and humidity can indeed fluctuate, but when last checked, temp was around 80 F and humidity around 80%.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Yes. Currently a long heat mat affixed on the back wall of the tank, as well as another heat mat on the shorter side of the tank. When needed, there is another mat that can be used as well as a heat lamp.

4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)?
Both fresh and salt are available. Both treated with Prime. I use Instant Ocean for the salt water. I use approx. 2 drops of prime for both waters and 1/2 cup of prime per gallon for the salt (I use gallon jugs for both waters.)

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I feed a variety of foods. A mixture of animal proteins, oils, fruits, vegetables, mixes, calcium, seaweed, extras, etc. Food is replaced usually a few times a week or as needed.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I've had my first crab since June of 2020, and the others have been added since, but none are new- the "newest" crab was purchased at least a couple of years ago. All are purple pinchers.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
All have molted since then. One crab is down now.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
55 gallon aqueon tank with glass lids.
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
4 purple pinchers, ranging from small to medium and what I would call a medium-large/

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
Unsure of current count, but I ensure each crab has at least 3 extra shells available in the tank. Should be close to if not more than 20.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No.

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I don't deep clean, but every now and again, I will mix up the substrate and re-organize some things in the tank. The crabs are removed and placed into a holding tank when this is done (of course, only when all of them are up- I wouldn't dig any of them up for this.)

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
No.

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
New pools, which were added less than a month ago, and a wheel.
15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)?


16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
Last night I went to change my crab's water, and on a shelf that sits next to the tank, I found ants (they were on the floor as well.) The ants were feeding on some kind of a sticky food that had soaked into the shelf. As far as I can tell, no ants are in the tank. I have completely sealed off my tank with packing tape (I know I can't keep it sealed forever, but for now, I'm leaving it sealed).
Let me provide some background- I got back from just over a weeklong vacation last week. Prior to this vacation I brought up a Home Depot bucket (that had been sprayed off with a hose) and brought it to the crab's room. I placed a blue tarp under such bucket just in case it leaked. This bucket was to be used by a friend who would be caring for my crabs while I was gone.
I haven't noticed ANY ants since I got back until last night, and it's possible that they were pushed in by some rain that we've recently been having, but it seems that they are bringing food back somewhere under the blue tarp. I have placed sugar-borax mixtures in a few areas, and they are feeding on it now.
I read online that sprinkling bay leaves around the crabitat would help repel the ants, so I've done that as well.
I know it's kind of a waiting game, but any further advice? They're leaving the crabs alone- what a blessing- but is there anything else you recommend I do?
Thank you!

.

[CrabbyLover77]

Do you have any vaseline or petroleum jelly? Take some of that and make a nice thick line all the way around the tank near the bottom. The ants won't cross over it, and they can't jump it. Also make sure nothing is dangling above the tank from the shelf the ants are on. This would give them a way to crawl onto the top of the tank. Good luck!

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[Pumpkincrab]

Thank you so much! I just put some petroleum jelly on the tank.
I'm planning on using Terro as well, so hopefully these little buggers (literally!) can all...you know, die off soon.
Thanks for the advice!

[CrabbyLover77]

You're welcome! I hope it all works out for you!

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[Pumpkincrab]

I want to give an update- the ant traps worked SO well! I used 2 out of a 6 pack of Terro ant baits from Home Depot; I put the baits near where the ants were hanging out and the colony died within days. I must have caught the colony in time when it was still pretty small. Yipee!

[CrabbyLover77]

Nice!!!

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