6 replies to this topic

[yrodro]

I have 9 tetramorium queens about to get their first nanitics. This means I have to get ready a lot of mini-nests soon.

I found some nice, black plastic food containers with a divider, so I can put sand in one half and keep the other side as a mini outworld.

It would be convenient to avoid using the lid, so I am playing with the idea of an open setting. This in turn means I have to make sure there are no escapees.

I figured to simply using Vaseline since tetramorium are small, but to make the barrier foolproof I thought to mix it with few drops of peppermint oil.


So here is (are) the question(s):
* Will peppermint kill ants?
* If not, will it stress them?
* Same for cinnamon...
* If not, does either scent have any chance of actually improving on plain Vaseline?

[ANTdrew]

Fluon is extremely effective for Tetramorium, which is one the biggest perks of the species. I would definitely recommend picking some up.

[cap_backfire]

I was wondering this same thing but mostly decided against it as they have such a small enclosure and would be so close to the source of irritant.   Like... if you were locked in a room and someone was piping in fart candles or something and you were stuck there.  

[ANTdrew]

I was wondering this same thing but mostly decided against it as they have such a small enclosure and would be so close to the source of irritant. Like... if you were locked in a room and someone was piping in fart candles or something and you were stuck there.

Exactly. Like someone perpetually chopping onions in your prison cell.

[TBsupra33]

I feel like cinnamon and peppermint are more of the irritants, fluon is only toxic while wet. Otherwise id use baby powder and ipa.

[ANTdrew]

I feel like cinnamon and peppermint are more of the irritants, fluon is only toxic while wet. Otherwise id use baby powder and ipa.

It’s not even toxic when wet. I’ve reapplied fluon in full setups many times, and no harm came to the ants. The only ants that die are dumb ones that rush into it and drown.

[TBsupra33]

 

I feel like cinnamon and peppermint are more of the irritants, fluon is only toxic while wet. Otherwise id use baby powder and ipa.

It’s not even toxic when wet. I’ve reapplied fluon in full setups many times, and no harm came to the ants. The only ants that die are dumb ones that rush into it and drown.

 

true, same. i think its really only toxic to birds from what I've heard