It also took us about 8 weeks to receive our ants. When we received them, they were all alive except for one or two. I didn't count them, so I don't know exactly how many there were alive. We followed the directions precisely and the ants started to dig tunnels, but then they all died within three days. What a disappointment after waiting so long to get them. I'm going to try to return the item, but I'm concerned it's been too long since the purchase date. After reading others' reviews I'm not going to try to deal with the company. Great idea for a product, but not what it advertises to be.