First and foremost, I would like to say sorry for the shipping delays which you may have noticed with your order, and I completely understand the frustration. And with exams happening, its very difficult to keep up with the emails. Which is why I have gone out of my way to make this blog post addressing the matter.
Shipping Delays Due to Weather Conditions
Shipping ants, especially exotic species like Pogonomyrmex occidentalis (Western Harvester Ants), during the Canadian winter can be tricky. These ants may thrive in their natural environments, but extreme cold during transit can be fatal, because of this, I’ve had to implement some shipping policies to ensure the ants arrive alive and well.
The Problem with Cold Weather Shipping
Shipping live ants isn’t like shipping any other product. When temperatures drop below -5°C or even "feels-like" temperatures in the same range the risk of harm to the ants becomes too high. Even with insulation and heat packs, extreme cold during transit could easily kill them. I’m based in Toronto, Ontario, so a lot of the routes my shipments take pass through colder provinces like Alberta and Manitoba, where it’s not uncommon to see temperatures of -20°C or worse. When that happens, shipping just isn’t possible.
On the other hand, if it’s a bit warmer here in Toronto say, -1°C or above, local orders can still go out. Since those shipments don’t leave the area much and is in general faster to ship. The risk is much lower, although once the weather dips to -5°C or below, even local shipping is put on hold. It’s all about keeping the ants safe.
When Shipping is Suspended
Shipping gets paused when temperatures drop too low, either here in Toronto or along the shipping route to the destination. If the forecast says it’ll stay below -5°C for the week, shipping is paused until it warms up. I monitor the weather closely to make these decisions because I don’t want to risk the ants’ safety.
For example, if an order is headed to Alberta during a week where it’s sitting at -20°C, I’ll hold off on shipping until the temperatures improve. But if it’s going to a location with mild weather like Vancouver, shipping might still be possible if the route doesn’t pass through freezing conditions.
When Shipping Can Resume
Shipping starts up again when temperatures rise to safe levels, anything above -5°C. Local shipments within Toronto have more flexibility, as I can often ship those even if it’s colder elsewhere in the country. But for long-distance shipments, I wait until the transit route have manageable weather conditions.
Canada's Geography
Canada’s massive size means the weather can vary a lot depending on the province. For instance, coastal areas in British Columbia tend to have milder winters, while places like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba can be freezing for weeks on end. This creates unique challenges for shipping. Orders heading west through the Prairies might face delays because of the extreme cold, while eastern orders like those going to Quebec or the Maritimes can vary depending on local conditions.
Balancing Delays and Customer Expectations
I get it, shipping delays can be frustrating, especially if you’re excited to get started with your new colony. But the ants’ health comes first. If shipping them during certain weather conditions risks their survival, it’s not worth it. I’d rather hold off and ensure the ants arrive alive and healthy than rush and risk losing them.
What I’m Doing to Improve
I’m always looking for ways to improve how I handle shipping during the winter. Better insulation and heating solutions are something I’m exploring, but even then, there’s only so much you can do against -20°C temperatures. For now, pausing shipments when the weather gets too cold is the best way to protect the ants.
If you’re worried about delays, ordering during the milder months such as spring-fall is a good idea. It’s easier to ship safely when temperatures are more consistent and less extreme.
Wrapping It Up
Shipping live ants in Canada during the winter isn’t easy, but it’s something I take seriously. While the delays might be inconvenient, they’re necessary to keep the ants safe. Thanks for your patience and understanding as I navigate these challenges to get your colonies to you in the best condition possible.