3 replies to this topic

[CodeNameGoldMember]

I have yet to get my first colony going but while I'm setting everything up, my biggest concern is escape. While I realize different species require different tactics, for this thread, I'm more curious about Pheidole ants. (My setup is going to be an open concept with a glass barrier so what should I put on that barrier?)

 

So what are the best methods:

Alcohol/Baby Powder?

Vaseline Gel?

Fluon?

 

 

[Manitobant]

I would probably just buy a professional formicarium if you don’t want escapes but Fluon is probably the best barrier.

[Barristan]

I currently use only talcum (baby powder consists mainly out of talcum) for all of my colonies. It worked best for me if applied dry with a small brush or cotton swab. If you mix it with alcohol and apply it wet, it is a lot easier to be applied however the powder doesn't crumble so easily therefore ants might walk over it without falling down.

[Herdo]

It's going to depend on the specific species, but for my Pheidole colonies fluon works wonderfully. I can watch them climb up, get one leg onto the fluon, and then fall back in.