Product Safety & Enclosure Suitability

Antastic Tom nests and accessories are specialist ant-keeping equipment designed for suitable species and appropriate husbandry conditions. They are not toys or permanent, maintenance-free containment systems.

Species and enclosure suitability

Choose an enclosure appropriate to the species, worker size, colony size and behaviour. Our designs are used and evaluated with commonly kept ants including selected Lasius, Camponotus and Messor species, but suitability for one species does not establish suitability for an entire genus. Not all equipment has been tested with highly invasive, particularly destructive or strongly stinging species. Contact us before use if you are uncertain.

Escape prevention and routine checks

Ants can exploit very small gaps. Before introducing a colony, inspect the enclosure and check the seating of acrylic panels, lids, blanking plates, connectors, tubing and retention clips. Check again during routine maintenance and after moving, connecting or heating equipment. Replace any worn, damaged, cracked, loose or distorted component. Do not leave a colony in an enclosure with a known containment problem.

Heating and materials

3D-printed plastic parts can soften or deform when exposed to unsuitable heating conditions, including direct contact with heating elements, localised hot spots and strong direct sunlight. Do not place heaters directly against plastic components unless the product instructions expressly permit it. Follow the care requirements of the species and monitor enclosure temperatures. If any deformation appears, stop using the affected component until the setup is safe.

Hydration and feeders

Hydrate nests according to their instructions and check for pooling or excess moisture before introducing ants. Place liquid feeders on a stable surface within a suitable enclosure. Check feeders after filling and regularly during use; avoid blocking drinking surfaces or openings with substrate. Do not use damaged or leaking feeders. Water requirements vary by colony.

Small parts, tools and children

These are specialist hobby products, not toys. Some items contain detachable screws, plugs, clips or other small parts that may present a choking hazard. Keep small parts out of reach of young children. Children should use or handle equipment only under appropriate adult supervision. Handle pointed forceps, tweezers and cut acrylic edges carefully.

Inspect deliveries and report problems

Check all components before use. If something looks damaged, does not fit properly or raises a safety concern, do not use the affected item with live ants. Contact antastictom@gmail.com, with your order number and photographs where possible, or use our product issue reporting page.

These instructions describe sensible care and use; they do not limit your statutory consumer rights.