About Dead Ants

These castings are the result of pouring molten aluminum into active ant beds.  We began this hobby after hearing about it from a family member that saw ant hill casting videos on YouTube.  You will note that Fire Ant hills are more complex than those of Harvester Ants.  Fire Ant hills commonly pop up in Texas after a good rain.  Red Ant (Harvester) hills are more structured looking layered chambers.  Often there are several separate tubes & sets of chambers originating from a single hole on the surface.

Here are some random facts:

1.  Aluminum melts at just over 1,220 degrees Fahrenheit & boils at just over 4,400 degrees.  We estimate we pour at about 1,800 to 2,000 degrees.

2.  Our burner system consists of three 500,000 BTU propane burners.

3.  We melt the aluminum in 8 quart cast iron bean pots, a full pour is usually about 6 1/2 quarts.

4.  Molten aluminum weighs about 5 pounds per quart.

5.  We have two complete burner units, allowing us to pour up to 13 quarts into a single mound if it is large enough.

6.  We purchase bulk aluminum in ingot form, melting aluminum cans & other scrap metal is not economical.

7.  About 30% of the casting attempts are duds due to rocks & other debris that obstruct the passageways.

8.  When looking at the castings please remember that they are shown upside down...the surface entrance is actually the base of the structure. 

Fire Ant hills commonly pop up in Texas after a good rain.  Red Ant (Harvester) hills are more structured looking layered chambers.  Often there are several separate tubes & sets of chambers originating from a single hole on the surface.