Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about ordering, shipping, and keeping your colony thriving. Still stuck? We answer messages fast.
Do colonies come with a queen?
Yes. All of the colonies we sell include at least one queen.
What else do the colonies come with?
Every TJL colony comes with a starter-kit:
See each colony product page for the exact contents.
How do I care for my ants?
Check out the "Care Advisor". It's a collection of species-specific care guides that bring you up to speed on your specific ant species and exactly what they need.
What happens if my ants arrive dead?
All colonies sold by TrapJaw Labs come with a live arrival guarantee. We do everything we can to ensure your ants arrive to you in good health, but if they don't, file a DOA claim within 2 hours of arrival and we will send you a replacement colony free-of-charge.
When will my order ship?
TrapJaw Labs ships orders Monday through Wednesday. If you place an order Thursday through Sunday, it will go out that following Monday.
Orders will be shipped as soon as possible. You will get an email notification when your order ships.
If your order hasn't shipped within 72 hours, please contact support.
How do I track my order?
Visit your account page to view & track your orders. You will receive tracking emails when your package is shipped, out for delivery, and delivered. If your tracking hasn't been updated in 48 hours, please contact support.
What is your return policy?
Non-living products (ant nests, accessories, etc.) can be returned within 30 days in original, unused condition. You cover return shipping unless we made an error. Refunds process within 7–10 business days.
Do you offer wholesale or classroom pricing?
Yes! Our Education & Institutions team offers volume discounts starting at 5+ units. We also provide curriculum integration guides and ongoing support for classroom setups. Email [email protected] for a custom quote.
Do you ship internationally?
No. We currently only ship within the US.
Can I change or cancel my order?
Orders can be modified or cancelled within 1 hour of placement. After that, orders enter our preparation pipeline and cannot be stopped. Non-living product orders can sometimes be caught before shipping. Contact support as soon as possible.
What are USDA permits?
USDA permits are the guardrails that keep the hobby legal and environmentally responsible.
Some ants can be agricultural pests or invasive species if they escape or get moved to places they don’t naturally occur. USDA/APHIS permitting helps control (and document) the importation and interstate movement of regulated species so they don’t end up establishing in new regions and harming crops, native insects, or ecosystems.
Permits also protect keepers and sellers: they clarify what’s allowed, set containment and shipping requirements, and reduce the risk of fines or confiscation for accidental illegal transport.
How do USDA permits affect me?
USDA permits determine what ants we are allowed to sell and to where. Everything we do is completely legal and permitted by the USDA.
USDA permits require you:
Do not give/distribute your ants to anyone else.
Do not release your ants.
Still have a question?
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