Ants are one of the most interesting and fascinating insects in the world. They live to breed and will ferociously protect their young from predators. Ants build their homes in soil where they can easily create a network of tunnels that provide both easy access and protection. Below are some general steps you can use to help build your very own indoor ant farm!

1. First, get yourself a glass fish tank - preferable the standard rectangle ones you see at all local fish sellers. Cover the outside of the fish tank with construction paper or a dark cloth to keep any light from shining in (you have to make the ants think they are still out in nature for this to work for you).

2. Next, fill the tank half-way with earth (soil).

3. Drop your ants into the tank and let them make themselves at home in their new digs.

4. Add some damp soil and some leaves as well. You want to make your environment as natural as possible.

5. After 2 or 3 days, remove the paper or cloth covering. You should be able to see a network of tunnels and caverns that have been built (you'll only be able to see the tunnels that were built up against the glass).

Taking Care of Your Home Made Ant Farm

Ants like to eat ripe fruit, meat or sweet jams. Make sure to provide fresh leaves on occasion and drop a damp paper towel in there for moisture. Make sure you keep your tank in a cool dry place.

You should have a cover on the tank to keep the ants from leaving (think about using a window screen-type material because you want to let air in).

If you were lucky enough to catch a queen while you were collecting your ants, the colony can go on for many generations. What you might start to see is a swarm of winged ants after a while. Let these ants out into the wild to start a new nest somewhere natural.

Then you can start a new colony with your existing tank!