9 replies to this topic

[brian]

Looking for some help. My Crematogaster antsKeep escaping past my Fluon barrier. For some reason it's not working at all. I've used fluon many times with my ant species that I keep and never had a problem. I've upgraded my Crematogaster 3 times now to bigger formicaria as they have increased in numbers. But they always walk right through the barrier like its not there. I know I'm applying it correctly so I've come to ask what members here use besides Fluon.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and any help you can suggest.

Edited by brian, February 16 2022 - 5:09 PM.

[azzaaazzzz00]

I sometimes use olive oil (I don't use it often), I also use vasoline and Baby powder+rubbing alchohol. Hope this helps!

[ANTdrew]

Welcome to the club! I have a detailed journal all about my travails with this very issue. What I’ve found is that fluon on vertical surfaces will not stop them. You need to apply it on the bottom side of a rim. It’s best to think of fluon as your secondary barrier slowing them down, so you can lift a lid from time to time to feed them. A good lid will be your primary barrier. Look in my journal to see how I glued a rim below my lid that I coated underneath with fluon. Above all else, NEVER underestimate their ability to escape a setup.

[Lemon.Water]

I also use olive oil it’s very effective for me, just make sure to reapply it once it dries and be careful to not let it drip down the sides as it makes it harder to see inside the formicarium. My Crematogaster usually stop at the barrier and don’t even attempt to climb it.

[OiledOlives]

Again, olive oil and vaseline are horrible barriers! These both repel the ants, but do not stop them. Ants can very easily climb over these barriers if they are aggressive. I used olive oil with a 1k+ worker Crematogaster cerasi colony and found 50-100 escaped workers after a month. They are also very annoying to remove. The best tried and true barriers in ant keeping are talcum based baby powder with rubbing alcohol and fluon (as well as a lid!).

[ANTdrew]

I don't recommend cutting any corners with these ants. Olive oil will not work long term.

[brian]

Thank you to everyone here that have offered suggestions and help I appreciate it very much. These little girls just are always ready to escape. I have a tight lid that keeps them in..... except when I need to clean or feed. Then there like " the way is clear GO GO GO GO!!!" and they rush the open top. Its crazy because there in more then a big enough formicaria now. But they just want out as soon as it opens. When its on they don't even go by the screen on the lid.

[brian]

Welcome to the club! I have a detailed journal all about my travails with this very issue. What I’ve found is that fluon on vertical surfaces will not stop them. You need to apply it on the bottom side of a rim. It’s best to think of fluon as your secondary barrier slowing them down, so you can lift a lid from time to time to feed them. A good lid will be your primary barrier. Look in my journal to see how I glued a rim below my lid that I coated underneath with fluon. Above all else, NEVER underestimate their ability to escape a setup.

Can you post a like to your journal? I can't find it you post so much and help out others its hard sifting through everything. Thank you for letting me know you have one by the way. Its great help to see how others do there set up and try and learn from them

[ANTdrew]

https://www.formicul...l/?fromsearch=1

[brian]

https://www.formicul...l/?fromsearch=1

Thank you again.