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Corn Starch Barrier
Started By
LIFEsize
, Jul 30 2019 8:08 AM
17 replies to this topic
#1
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Posted July 30 2019 - 8:08 AM
With the issue of talcum powders being linked to cancer and whatnot. It's less available on the shelves at the store and has been replaced with new powders with corn starch instead. Will these new products not work as a traditional ant barrier?
#2
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Posted July 30 2019 - 8:11 AM
I tried this, but the starch just turned into a goopy mess. Fluon would be better than talc, but is more expensive. The Wal-Mart in my area has lots of talc powder still.
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#3
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Posted July 30 2019 - 8:16 AM
That's good to know. Would you favor fluon over talc with an invicta colony?I tried this, but the starch just turned into a goopy mess. Fluon would be better than talc, but is more expensive. The Wal-Mart in my area has lots of talc powder still.
#4
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Posted July 30 2019 - 8:20 AM
Definitely.
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#5
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Posted July 30 2019 - 8:21 AM
Try applying the corn starch without mixing it just dry. That's what I do with the baby powder. Problem I see though is the Corn Starch may not be as fine? If you try it let us know!
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Billy
Currently keeping:
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#6
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Posted July 30 2019 - 8:44 AM
Based on ant_dude2908's experience, I don't want to take the riskTry applying the corn starch without mixing it just dry. That's what I do with the baby powder. Problem I see though is the Corn Starch may not be as fine? If you try it let us know!
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#7
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Posted August 1 2019 - 5:03 AM
With invictas, you definitely don’t want to cut corners. Try to put the fluon on an overhanging lip if you can and keep it dryer than a Mormon wedding.
"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.
#8
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Posted August 1 2019 - 5:29 AM
I was talking about corn starch in chat the other day after examining a list containing particle size ranges for a number of common materials, and corn starch happens to be extremely fine.
The problem with mixing it with water is that, unlike talc powder, which is a mineral, corn starch hydrates and holds onto water really well. If there is a non-water-based solvent that will not hydrate it, that might work, although you would need to consider material compatibility with the surface to which the mixture would be applied.
I would be interested in trying it by dusting the dry powder onto the side walls or container lip/ceiling with a paintbrush or something similar. I don't think I have any corn starch here on hand, but I'd be interested in hearing about the results!
Edited by drtrmiller, August 1 2019 - 5:34 AM.
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#9
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Posted August 1 2019 - 10:09 AM
that's what I'm saying. I don't mix the Baby powder anymore either just dust the sides. It has to be reapplied more frequently but it works well. I'll try substituting corn starch to see if that'll work too.
Billy
Currently keeping:
Camponotus chromaiodes
Camponotus castaneus
Formica subsericea
#10
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Posted August 1 2019 - 11:59 AM
My monomorium ate the barrier and then escaped.
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#11
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Posted August 1 2019 - 12:01 PM
My monomorium ate the barrier and then escaped.
I can see that happening!
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Billy
Currently keeping:
Camponotus chromaiodes
Camponotus castaneus
Formica subsericea
#12
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Posted August 1 2019 - 3:23 PM
LOL! That’s ends the discussion.My monomorium ate the barrier and then escaped.
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"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.
#13
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Posted August 2 2019 - 7:21 AM
Ok so I just put corn starch on one side of my Aphaenogaster Out World. I'll keep you posted. So far they can climb it.
Billy
Currently keeping:
Camponotus chromaiodes
Camponotus castaneus
Formica subsericea
#14
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Posted August 14 2019 - 7:26 AM
Results? Not effective!!! It works for a little bit but I think it doesn't adhere to the plastic as well as baby powder there for it only last a very short time! I would put it on the one side but by the next day they could climb that side freely.
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Billy
Currently keeping:
Camponotus chromaiodes
Camponotus castaneus
Formica subsericea
#15
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Posted April 6 2023 - 12:58 PM
Results? Not effective!!! It works for a little bit but I think it doesn't adhere to the plastic as well as baby powder there for it only last a very short time! I would put it on the one side but by the next day they could climb that side freely.
Thanks so much for posting the results. I'm also having trouble finding talc and was just about to try this instead.
#16
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Posted April 6 2023 - 1:21 PM
That member hasn’t been online in over 3 years…
My journals:
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Lasius minutus: https://www.formicul...cs/#entry174811
Lasius latipes: https://www.formicul...gs/#entry206449
General acanthomyops journal: https://www.formicul...yops-with-eggs/
Polyergus Mexicanus: https://www.formicul...gs/#entry175528
Lasius minutus: https://www.formicul...cs/#entry174811
Lasius latipes: https://www.formicul...gs/#entry206449
General acanthomyops journal: https://www.formicul...yops-with-eggs/
#17
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Posted April 6 2023 - 5:58 PM
That's good to know. Would you favor fluon over talc with an invicta colony?I tried this, but the starch just turned into a goopy mess. Fluon would be better than talc, but is more expensive. The Wal-Mart in my area has lots of talc powder still.
Absolutely not.
I use talcum powder (I live in Florida and buy it from Amazon, its priced fairly well.. also baby powder works the exact same as talcum) mixed with alcohol. Fluon is mids and the best barrier for my invicta is 100% talcum. I have had ZERO escapes, ever.
#18
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Posted April 6 2023 - 6:00 PM
That member hasn’t been online in over 3 years…
Crap.. I just realized this was a necro post right after I posted.
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