[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":625},["ShallowReactive",2],{"post-\u002Fhow-to-make-a-ytong-nest-en":3,"related-posts-how-to-make-a-ytong-nest-en":578,"related-categories-how-to-make-a-ytong-nest-en":607},{"id":4,"title":5,"audio":6,"author":7,"authorImageUrl":8,"authorUrl":9,"body":10,"categorySlug":502,"categoryText":503,"dateModified":504,"datePublished":505,"description":506,"extension":507,"faqs":508,"howToDescription":506,"howToImage":523,"howToSteps":524,"howToSupply":552,"howToTitle":5,"howToTools":559,"howToTotalTime":568,"image":523,"language":569,"meta":570,"navigation":571,"path":572,"productBrand":6,"productDescription":6,"productImage":6,"productName":6,"reviewDescription":6,"reviewRating":6,"seo":573,"sitemap":574,"stem":575,"youtubeVideoId":576,"__hash__":577},"blog\u002Fhow-to-make-a-ytong-nest.md","How To Make a Ytong Nest - Ant Keeping Tutorial",null,"Bruma","\u002Fimages\u002Fauthors\u002Fbruma.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fbrumaombra.com",{"type":11,"value":12,"toc":488},"minimark",[13,20,27,32,35,40,47,53,60,67,88,94,99,103,110,116,122,124,128,135,141,143,147,153,159,165,171,184,186,190,197,203,210,216,222,228,230,233,239,245,251,256,262,268,274,280,293,295,299,305,311,317,322,328,334,336,340,346,352,357,360,367,373,379,381,385,391,396,402,408,414,421,424,430,432,436,442,447,453,455,460,472],[14,15,16],"p",{},[17,18,19],"strong",{},"Hi guys! I hope you’re doing well!",[14,21,22,23,26],{},"Today we’re going to learn ",[17,24,25],{},"how to build a Ytong nest",", the perfect nest choice for many ant species!",[14,28,29],{},[17,30,31],{},"Let's get into it!",[33,34],"hr",{},[36,37,39],"h2",{"id":38},"what-is-ytong","What is Ytong?",[14,41,42,43,46],{},"If you’re new to the hobby of ant keeping, ",[17,44,45],{},"you may be wondering: “Ytong? What’s that?”"," Let’s explain it really quickly!",[14,48,49,50],{},"Ytong is a particular type of aerated concrete, usually used in construction as an insulation material. ",[17,51,52],{},"It is extremely popular in ant keeping for its moisture retention properties and because it’s very easy to sculpt.",[14,54,55],{},[56,57],"img",{"alt":58,"src":59},"DIY ytong ant nest","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fdiy_ytong_ant_nest.jpeg",[14,61,62,63,66],{},"Thanks to these great properties, and also to the fact that it’s one of the cheapest materials available on the market, ",[17,64,65],{},"Ytong is the perfect choice when it comes to making DIY ant nests",".",[14,68,69,72,73,80,81,87],{},[17,70,71],{},"It is one of the best material choices for the majority of humidity-loving ant species",", and it is the ideal option for a cheap but effective ant nest! Some of the most beginner-friendly species of ants, like ",[17,74,75],{},[76,77,79],"nuxt-link-locale",{"to":78},"\u002Fhow-to-care-for-messor-barbarus","Messor barbarus"," or ",[17,82,83],{},[76,84,86],{"to":85},"\u002Fhow-to-care-for-lasius-niger","Lasius niger",", truly love living inside this material!",[14,89,90,91],{},"For this reason, ",[17,92,93],{},"Ytong is the perfect nesting option for beginner ant keepers who don't have a lot of money to spend on this hobby!",[14,95,96],{},[17,97,98],{},"Now that we know what Ytong is, let's see what materials we need to make our own DIY Ytong nest!",[36,100,102],{"id":101},"what-you-need","What You Need",[14,104,105,106,109],{},"As you can imagine, for this project ",[17,107,108],{},"we need a block of Ytong",". Ytong is a particular type of concrete, usually used in construction as an insulation material.",[14,111,112],{},[56,113],{"alt":114,"src":115},"Block of ytong to make a ytong ant nest","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_the_block.jpeg",[14,117,118,121],{},[17,119,120],{},"You can easily find this material in almost every hardware store",". You can also order it online from one of the many ant keeping shops.",[33,123],{},[36,125,127],{"id":126},"choosing-the-size-of-the-nest","Choosing The Size of The Nest",[14,129,130,131,134],{},"The first thing we have to do is ",[17,132,133],{},"decide the dimensions of the nest"," we are going to build. I’ve chosen the size of a red transparent foil because I’m planning to use it as a light shield for the nest.",[14,136,137],{},[56,138],{"alt":139,"src":140},"A ytong ant nest with a red sheet on top","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_red_shield.jpeg",[33,142],{},[36,144,146],{"id":145},"cutting-the-ytong","Cutting The Ytong",[14,148,149,150,66],{},"Once we’ve marked the Ytong with the chosen size, it’s time to remove the excess parts. We are going to do this by ",[17,151,152],{},"cutting the Ytong with a standard wood saw",[14,154,155],{},[56,156],{"alt":157,"src":158},"Cutting a block of ytong to make a diy ytong ant nest","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_cutting_the_block.jpeg",[14,160,161,162,66],{},"Be careful when using these types of tools! ",[17,163,164],{},"Start slow and then pick up the speed when the groove forms in the Ytong",[14,166,167,170],{},[17,168,169],{},"Don’t worry if the cuts are not extremely precise;"," we will adjust them later.",[14,172,173,174,180,181],{},"By the way… If you, just like me, really like these kinds of DIY projects, I’m pretty sure you’re going to love ",[17,175,176],{},[76,177,179],{"to":178},"\u002Fhow-to-make-a-wooden-nest","this other guide"," too! ",[17,182,183],{},"In this one, I explain in detail how to make another very popular type of ant nest: a wooden nest!",[33,185],{},[36,187,189],{"id":188},"drawing-the-shape-of-the-nest","Drawing The Shape of The Nest",[14,191,192,193,196],{},"Now the fun part. ",[17,194,195],{},"Now we can draw the shape of the various chambers of the nest",". You can do it freehand and choose a naturalistic shape, or you can make it a little more elaborate and use some drawing tools.",[14,198,199],{},[56,200],{"alt":201,"src":202},"Drawing the chambers of a diy ytong ant nest","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_drawing_the_chambers.jpeg",[14,204,205,206,209],{},"As you can see for this nest, I’ve chosen the second option, as I like a more technical nest shape. ",[17,207,208],{},"When drawing the chambers, try to use a very dark and visible pencil;"," it will make the engraving phase a lot easier.",[14,211,212,215],{},[17,213,214],{},"Don’t forget the hydration chamber!"," For this nest, I decided to place it at the top to facilitate the watering process.",[14,217,218],{},[56,219],{"alt":220,"src":221},"Humidity chamber drawing on a ytong ant nest","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_the_water_chamber.jpeg",[14,223,224,225,66],{},"Next step. ",[17,226,227],{},"Engraving",[33,229],{},[36,231,227],{"id":232},"engraving",[14,234,235,238],{},[17,236,237],{},"Now we can create the chambers of the nest",". For this job, you can use a Dremel, like the one I am using, or a simple screwdriver.",[14,240,241],{},[56,242],{"alt":243,"src":244},"Engraving the chambers of a ytong ant nest with a dremel","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_engraving_the_block.jpeg",[14,246,247,250],{},[17,248,249],{},"I suggest you wear a mask during this phase,"," as Ytong produces a lot of dust.",[14,252,253],{},[17,254,255],{},"Not bad!",[14,257,258],{},[56,259],{"alt":260,"src":261},"A diy ytong ant nest after engraving","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_after_engraving.jpeg",[14,263,264,267],{},[17,265,266],{},"When finished, we can clean the little imperfections by using some sandpaper and a piece of wood."," Keep in mind that Ytong is a very soft material, so you don’t have to push too hard when using the piece of sandpaper.",[14,269,270,273],{},[17,271,272],{},"You can also clean the interior of the chambers,"," making them a little more appealing.",[14,275,276],{},[56,277],{"alt":278,"src":279},"Sanding the chambers of a ytong ant nest","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_sanding_the_chambers.jpeg",[14,281,282,283,289,290],{},"If you are a beginner and have no idea how to get your hands on an ant colony, I would suggest you check out ",[17,284,285],{},[76,286,288],{"to":287},"\u002Fhow-to-catch-your-first-queen-ant","this other guide!"," ",[17,291,292],{},"In this one, you will learn everything you need to know to catch your very first queen ant, the mother of all members of the colony!",[33,294],{},[36,296,298],{"id":297},"the-front-panel","The Front Panel",[14,300,301,304],{},[17,302,303],{},"Now we have to make the acrylic front panel."," After we’ve taken the needed measurements we can start cutting the piece. For this nest, I am using plexiglass, a very easy-to-find type of transparent plastic.",[14,306,307,310],{},[17,308,309],{},"For cutting the plexiglass, you can use a normal saw for metals or a jigsaw."," You can choose which one you prefer the most.",[14,312,313],{},[56,314],{"alt":315,"src":316},"Cutting a plexiglass panel for a diy ant nest","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_cutting_the_acrylic_panel.jpeg",[14,318,319],{},[17,320,321],{},"Here’s the panel.",[14,323,324],{},[56,325],{"alt":326,"src":327},"Plexiglass front panel for a diy ant nest","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_the_acrylic_panel.jpeg",[14,329,330,331,66],{},"Just like the Ytong, ",[17,332,333],{},"we can remove the little imperfections by using some sandpaper",[33,335],{},[36,337,339],{"id":338},"drilling-the-holes","Drilling The Holes",[14,341,342,345],{},[17,343,344],{},"To attach the plexiglass panel to the Ytong, we can use some dowels and some screws."," By using these, we will be able to remove the panel for cleaning the nest, a step not possible when using silicone.",[14,347,348],{},[56,349],{"alt":350,"src":351},"A dowel for a diy ytong ant nest","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_dowel.jpeg",[14,353,354,66],{},[17,355,356],{},"Now we have to drill the holes in the plexiglass panel and in the Ytong block",[14,358,359],{},"Keep in mind that the holes in the plexiglass panel should be slightly smaller than those in the Ytong.",[14,361,362,363,366],{},"When drilling the Ytong block, ",[17,364,365],{},"push the drill bit very softly."," Ytong is a very fragile material, and the last thing we want is to crack our precious new nest while making some holes.",[14,368,369],{},[56,370],{"alt":371,"src":372},"Drilling some holes in ytong ant nest","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_drilling.jpeg",[14,374,375,378],{},[17,376,377],{},"At this stage, you can also drill the entrance hole,"," from which the ants will enter the nest.",[33,380],{},[36,382,384],{"id":383},"attaching-the-front-panel","Attaching The Front Panel",[14,386,387,390],{},[17,388,389],{},"Now we can finally remove the protective film from the plexiglass panel!"," This is always so satisfying!",[14,392,393],{},[17,394,395],{},"It looks amazing!",[14,397,398],{},[56,399],{"alt":400,"src":401},"A diy ytong ant nest","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_result.jpeg",[14,403,404,407],{},[17,405,406],{},"Now we can insert the dowels into the holes of the Ytong block."," You can use the back of a tool to push them all the way down.",[14,409,410],{},[56,411],{"alt":412,"src":413},"Inserting some dowels in a ytong ant nest","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_inserting_the_dowels.jpeg",[14,415,416,417,420],{},"After that, ",[17,418,419],{},"we can attach the transparent panel to the Ytong block."," Simply place the plexiglass panel and start screwing in the screws.",[14,422,423],{},"Use a screwdriver to complete the job and tighten the screws all the way in.",[14,425,426],{},[56,427],{"alt":428,"src":429},"Screwing the screws of a ytong ant nest","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_screwing_the_screws.jpeg",[33,431],{},[36,433,435],{"id":434},"the-final-result","The Final Result!",[14,437,438,439],{},"Here it is! ",[17,440,441],{},"You’ve successfully built a Ytong nest all by yourself!",[14,443,444],{},[56,445],{"alt":400,"src":446},"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fytong_ant_nest_tutorial_final_result.jpeg",[14,448,449,452],{},[17,450,451],{},"Now you can move a colony into it!"," I’m pretty sure they will love it!",[33,454],{},[14,456,457],{},[17,458,459],{},"I hope you have found this guide helpful!",[14,461,462],{},[463,464,468],"a",{"href":465,"rel":466},"https:\u002F\u002Fbrumaants.com\u002Fhow-to-make-a-tube-spiral-for-your-ants",[467],"nofollow",[56,469],{"alt":470,"src":471},"DIY tube spiral for ants","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Ftube_spiral_tutorial_final_result.jpeg",[14,473,474,477,478,484,485],{},[17,475,476],{},"If you liked this tutorial and love making DIY projects,"," I would strongly suggest you check out ",[17,479,480],{},[76,481,483],{"to":482},"\u002Fhow-to-make-a-tube-spiral-for-your-ants","this other tutorial!",". In this one, you will learn ",[17,486,487],{},"how to build a very cool tube spiral for connecting your ant nest to an outworld!",{"title":489,"searchDepth":490,"depth":490,"links":491},"",2,[492,493,494,495,496,497,498,499,500,501],{"id":38,"depth":490,"text":39},{"id":101,"depth":490,"text":102},{"id":126,"depth":490,"text":127},{"id":145,"depth":490,"text":146},{"id":188,"depth":490,"text":189},{"id":232,"depth":490,"text":227},{"id":297,"depth":490,"text":298},{"id":338,"depth":490,"text":339},{"id":383,"depth":490,"text":384},{"id":434,"depth":490,"text":435},"tutorials","Tutorials & D.I.Y.","2025-08-04T00:00:00Z","2022-05-05T00:00:00Z","In this tutorial, you will learn how to make a Ytong nest for your ant colonies! This is one of the best nest types for many ant species!","md",[509,511,514,517,520],{"question":39,"answer":510},"Ytong is a type of aerated concrete that is popular in ant keeping for its moisture retention properties and ease of sculpting.",{"question":512,"answer":513},"Where can I buy Ytong?","You can find Ytong at most hardware stores or order it online from ant keeping shops.",{"question":515,"answer":516},"What tools do I need to build a Ytong nest?","You will need a wood saw, a Dremel or screwdriver, sandpaper, and cutting tools for plexiglass.",{"question":518,"answer":519},"Can I drill holes in the Ytong for ventilation?","Yes, you should drill holes in the Ytong block for ventilation and to attach the plexiglass front panel.",{"question":521,"answer":522},"Is Ytong suitable for all ant species?","Ytong is ideal for many humidity-loving ant species, making it a great choice for beginner ant keepers.","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fbruma_ants_thumbnail_ytong_ant_nest_tutorial.png",[525,528,531,534,537,540,543,546,549],{"name":526,"text":527,"image":140},"Choose the size of the nest","Decide the dimensions of the Ytong block based on your colony size. Mark the block and prepare for cutting.",{"name":529,"text":530,"image":158},"Cut the Ytong block","Use a wood saw to cut the Ytong block to the desired size. Start slow and increase speed as the groove forms.",{"name":532,"text":533,"image":202},"Draw the chambers","Sketch the chambers and passages on the Ytong block using a dark pencil. Include a hydration chamber for water.",{"name":535,"text":536,"image":244},"Engrave the chambers","Use a Dremel or screwdriver to carve out the chambers and passages. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust.",{"name":538,"text":539,"image":279},"Sand the chambers","Smooth out imperfections in the chambers and passages using sandpaper. Clean the interior for a polished look.",{"name":541,"text":542,"image":316},"Cut the acrylic front panel","Measure and cut the transparent acrylic panel to fit the Ytong nest. Sand the edges to remove imperfections.",{"name":544,"text":545,"image":372},"Drill holes for screws","Drill holes in the acrylic panel and Ytong block for screws and dowels. Ensure the holes in the acrylic are smaller.",{"name":547,"text":548,"image":429},"Attach the front panel","Insert dowels into the Ytong block and attach the acrylic panel using screws. Tighten the screws securely.",{"name":550,"text":551,"image":446},"Test the nest","Place the nest in your setup and observe the ants to ensure it meets their needs.",[553,555,557],{"name":554},"Block of Ytong",{"name":556},"Transparent acrylic (plexiglass)",{"name":558},"Dowels and screws",[560,562,564,566],{"name":561},"Wood saw",{"name":563},"Dremel or screwdriver",{"name":565},"Sandpaper",{"name":567},"Drill with bits for Ytong and acrylic","PT90M","en",{},true,"\u002Fhow-to-make-a-ytong-nest",{"title":5,"description":506},{"loc":572},"how-to-make-a-ytong-nest","skqzCG7Su38","iGPHp-gW1-hcSk4oDKjOdsH1JwrybjbNpMdsN5wF70s",[579,586,593,600],{"id":580,"title":581,"description":582,"image":583,"categoryText":584,"path":585},"blog\u002Fcomplete-guide-to-ant-keeping.md","Complete Guide To Ant Keeping","Learn everything you need to know to start an ant colony from scratch! From a newly mated queen ant to a large and prosperous ant empire!","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fbrumaants_miniatura_complete_guide_to_ant_keeping.png","Ant Keeping Basics","\u002Fcomplete-guide-to-ant-keeping",{"id":587,"title":588,"description":589,"image":590,"categoryText":591,"path":592},"blog\u002Fhow-to-care-for-formica-cinerea.md","How to Care for Formica Cinerea","In this guide you will learn how to care for Formica cinerea! Temperature, humidity, food, hibernation, nest type... and much more!","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fbruma_ants_thumbnail_formica_cinerea_care_guide.png","Care Guides","\u002Fhow-to-care-for-formica-cinerea",{"id":594,"title":595,"description":596,"image":597,"categoryText":598,"path":599},"blog\u002Fis-ant-keeping-doomed-the-ant-pod.md","Is Ant Keeping Doomed? - The Ant Pod","Listen to the best ant keeping podcast on the Internet: The Ant Pod! In this episode, Ant Holleufer talks about the ant keeping decline!","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fthe_antpod_ant_keeping_doomed_43.jpg","Podcasts","\u002Fis-ant-keeping-doomed-the-ant-pod",{"id":601,"title":602,"description":603,"image":604,"categoryText":605,"path":606},"blog\u002Fwakooshi-saturn-nest-review.md","WaKooshi Saturn Nest Review","Today I'm going to make a little review of a really cool ant nest made by WaKooshi. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know!","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fbruma_ants_thumbnail_wakooshi_saturn_nest_review.png","Product Reviews","\u002Fwakooshi-saturn-nest-review",[608,612,616,620],{"name":584,"slug":609,"count":610,"image":611},"ant-keeping-basics",10,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fbrumaants_miniatura_most_common_mistakes.png",{"name":598,"slug":613,"count":614,"image":615},"podcasts",24,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fthe_antpod_antcon_review_46.jpg",{"name":591,"slug":617,"count":618,"image":619},"care-guides",7,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fbruma_ants_thumbnail_crematogaster_scutellaris_care_guide.png",{"name":621,"slug":622,"count":623,"image":624},"Various","various",5,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.brumaants.com\u002Fimages\u002Fbruma_ants_thumbnail_mind-blowing_ant_facts.png",1790665515386]