Question 1

How much formal education about ants/insects do I need to take this course?

Accepted Answer

While prior knowledge/familiarity with ants specifically will be helpful, it is not required. We'll be covering what you need to know in broad strokes. We want this course to be accessible to people from a wide variety of backgrounds. However, familiarity with basic biology/entomology is suggested.

Question 2

How physically accessible is this event? What sorts of activities will be involved?

Accepted Answer

This course will be three 8-hour days involving a combination of sitting for lectures and using microscopes, along with outdoor field trips. The field trips will include standing, slow walking, and crouching or crawling. They will last for up to an hour in the Florida summer heat.

Question 3

Will food be provided?

Accepted Answer

Complimentary lunch, coffee, tea, and snacks are included in the price of the ticket, though you are welcome to bring your own. Unfortunately, time limitations make going out to lunch during the course impossible.

Question 4

Do I need to attend the whole time? When do I need to be there?

Accepted Answer

We recommend you attend the whole time. We start at 9am every day and have back-to-back activities until 5pm. Each section builds upon the previous one, and missing bits and pieces will result in you quickly falling behind. We also take frequent field trips and will have to leave latecomers behind.

Question 5

Where can I stay in Gainesvillle?

Accepted Answer

Aloft (3743 Hull Rd) and the UF Hilton (714 SW 34th St) are a 20 minute walk, 15 minute bus ride, or 5 minute drive away from the course location, Steinmetz Hall. If you'd like to stay closer to downtown, the Holiday Inn (1250 W University Ave) is close to bus routes to UF and downtown.

Question 6

Will there be free time in the evenings?

Accepted Answer

After 5pm each day, all scheduled activities will be complete and you are free to spend the evening as you like. We will have an optional suggested social activity every evening, but these are not required.

Question 7

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

Free parking will be available first come first serve in the parking lot next to the Entomology and  Nematology department.

Invasive Ant Bootcamp 2026

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