For most species of ants, heat is essential to colony growth, health of individual workers, and as a valuable signal to let the ants know it's NOT time to diapause! 

For a small amount of species, heat is not as necessary. Most, however, either need added heat, or at least greatly benefit from it!

To use a heat cable, always heat only part of the nest, and heat the ants according to the their individual care info on our site (each species has a different preference). Be careful not to cook the ants or leave them no escape throughout the nest, as this can quickly be fatal! 

One of the best ways to use a heat cable is to run the cable alongside, on top of, or just barely touching part of the ants nest. The best place to do this is usually furthest from the moisture. If the ants move closer to the heat, this is good! Allow the ants to CHOOSE where they wish to be within the gradient. Allow some of the nest to be cooler as you get a hang for the preference of your ants. Always have an escape area, such as a test tube attached to the nest, unheated.

In a test tube, for most species it's best to heat only the front of the tube, roughly where the cotton blocker would be. Do not heat near the water reservoir, as that may cause a flood and wouldn't create the wanted heat gradient.