8 replies to this topic

[FelixTheAnter]

I've used talcum powder with alcohol for all my outworlds, for several species, with a lot of success.
Just opened the tube for my new Pheidole pallidula colony, and they just...casually walked over the talcum...like it didn't even exist. Lol
What do you guys use? Did I just make the talcum paste too thick? I thought I'd seen other people using this for them as well. I don't have any fluon on hand, and this colony's been in the mail for several days so I want to be able to let them out to feed them ASAP. The colony too large to be able to feed in the tube.

Edited by FelixTheAnter, April 13 2023 - 5:13 AM.

[ANTdrew]

You need fluon on the underside of an overhanging rim to stop Pheidole long term. 

[Mettcollsuss]

I personally find talc to be a pretty effective barrier, moreso than fluon. It contains my Pheidole fine (granted, small colony). Do you have a photo of your barrier? Sounds like it may have just been applied incorrectly.

[FelixTheAnter]

I personally find talc to be a pretty effective barrier, moreso than fluon. It contains my Pheidole fine (granted, small colony). Do you have a photo of your barrier? Sounds like it may have just been applied incorrectly.

Hmm, maybe so. I applied it same as I do for my Lasius, and they never escape. Although last year I did have a single colony that was able to walk right over a barrier, and I have no idea why. Put in a fresh setup and they can't escape now.

I put the pheidole in a new container with a fresh barrier, and they're having much less luck escaping...but still one or two are finding themselves able to walk over it. Photo isn't the best since I had to put a lid on 😂 The top is a thick layer, high talcum to alcohol ratio. Bottom is a thinner layer. Most can't get over the thinner layer, but the ones that can, can get over both



Second pheidole species can also walk over their talc barrier as if it doesn't exist:

[FelixTheAnter]

You need fluon on the underside of an overhanging rim to stop Pheidole long term.

Top of my priority list then, is going out and finding a good container to use for them! I can see now why they're called escape artists

[ANTdrew]

You need fluon on the underside of an overhanging rim to stop Pheidole long term.

Top of my priority list then, is going out and finding a good container to use for them! I can see now why they're called escape artists

Check out my CrematoProof outworlds for ideas on how I deal with ants like these.

[FelixTheAnter]

You need fluon on the underside of an overhanging rim to stop Pheidole long term.

Top of my priority list then, is going out and finding a good container to use for them! I can see now why they're called escape artists

Check out my CrematoProof outworlds for ideas on how I deal with ants like these.

Where can I find photos of those?

[AntsCali098]

I've always found Vaseline or olive oil works with just about any species I have tried it on. If you do use it make sure it has no pesticides or anything that will kill the ants. The only problem with these barriers is sometimes the ants get stuck, so put a thinner layer if you do.

[ANTdrew]

You need fluon on the underside of an overhanging rim to stop Pheidole long term.

Top of my priority list then, is going out and finding a good container to use for them! I can see now why they're called escape artists

Check out my CrematoProof outworlds for ideas on how I deal with ants like these.

Where can I find photos of those?

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