Space-Age Birthday Ants

What's the best way to capture ants without killing them?



This was the dilemma we pondered last night.

Because today is Remy's birthday.
He's 7 years old!

And we let him open a early gift last night, from family who lives in Alabama.

It was a space-age ant habitat.



In 2003 NASA came up with an experiment to study animal life in space and test how ants successfully tunnel in microgravity.

They came up with this cool gel that is complete with nutrients and supplements to promote a healthy ant colony. A gel that wouldn't collapse upon shuttle lift-off.



However, with this awesome kit, ants were not included.



Luckily (or not) we have a big ant pile in our front yard.

And the boys have a healthy fear respect of ants, so they suckered talked their dad into helping.

Our magnificent space-age, ant-catching tool ended up being a...butter knife.

The boys had no problem kicking the ant pile and then running.

Leaving their father to capture angry ants.

Our neighbors must think we're strange. In our front yard, me with my camera, my husband with a knife.

It was big excitement, let me tell ya.

As of last night, only a few ants escaped and died trying.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Thanks, G'Dad, Debra & Kate!!

Awesome gift and great blog material!!

Grab a camera and a critter and join Camera Critters weekend meme!

The winner of my New Year Giveaway is Miss Anne!