Quick answer: assembling an AntMaster foraging area —for example the Terra M V2 Foraging Area— takes about 15-20 minutes: you remove the acrylic protective films, fit the side panels into the base, screw the corners and lid using the Allen key included in the assembly bag, and check that the gates and lid slide smoothly. The same 6 steps apply to the M, L and XL models in the foraging area collection.
Last updated: September 5, 2026.
Welcome to the AntMaster foraging area assembly guide.
Our system uses shared parts across the different models and has been designed so assembly is fast, simple and intuitive.
Before you start, lay out all the components on a table and check that no piece is missing.
Included components
Inside the package you'll find:
- Foraging area base: check that all the gates slide correctly and without sticking.
- Acrylic side panels.
- Lid parts.
- Assembly bag: includes the screws, washers, corners and Allen key needed for the size of your foraging area. You can find other individual parts in Accessories.
- Lid handle: included inside the assembly bag for M foraging areas. For the L and XL models, it's found directly in the box.
If you find any part damaged, missing or defective, contact us through the Help Center as soon as possible so we can sort it out.
Step 1: Remove the acrylic protective films
Remove the protective films on both sides of each acrylic panel.
One of the films is yellow and the other is semi-transparent. Make sure to remove both before starting assembly.
Step 2: Fit the side panels
Place the side panels onto the foraging area base, lining up their holes with the corners of the base.
The panels can only be fitted in one correct orientation, so the holes should line up perfectly without needing to force them.
Step 3: Secure the bottom
Fit a washer onto each screw and use the Allen key provided to secure the panels to the bottom of the foraging area.
Important: don't overtighten the screws. They only need to be snug. Too much pressure could damage the parts or the acrylic.
Step 4: Install the top corners
Fit the top corners and secure them using the screws and their corresponding washers.
The washers must be used. Tightening the screws directly onto the corners or applying too much pressure could crack them.
Once all the corners are installed, fit the top structure of the foraging area and secure it properly.
Step 5: Assemble the lid
Locate the two acrylic pieces that make up the lid and attach them to the handle using the corresponding screws.
For this step, you should not use washers, as the screws wouldn't be long enough to properly join all three pieces.
Step 6: Check the assembly
Check that all the panels are correctly aligned, that the screws are snug, and that the lid and gates slide without difficulty.
Your AntMaster foraging area is now correctly assembled and ready to use!
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if a part is missing or arrives damaged?
Contact us through the Help Center, letting us know the model (M, L or XL) and the affected part. The AntMaster team will let you know how to fix it.
What screws and washers do I need for each size (M, L or XL)?
Each foraging area includes, in its assembly bag, the screws, washers, corners and Allen key matching its size: you don't need to buy anything separately. You can see each model in the foraging area collection.
In which step are washers not used?
In step 5, when assembling the lid: the screws aren't long enough to go through a washer, the handle and the two acrylic pieces at the same time.
How do I know if I've overtightened the screws?
They should be snug, not forced. If you notice extra resistance or the acrylic marks or creaks, loosen it slightly: too much pressure can crack the corners or the panels.