4 replies to this topic

[TwistyPunch]

I'm wondering if I can use a thin layer of mineral oil as an effective barrier for my Camponotus pennsylvanicus colony. I've heard that fluon is one of the best barriers, but it looks kinda messy and it's a little too expensive for me at the moment. I would use olive oil but I've heard that it isn't always effective and some ants will eat it. I have a large supply of mineral oil, and I saw somewhere that some ants won't even want to go near it. My Outworld is made out of smooth acrylic, so I'm guessing that even if an adventurous ant got past it, it feet would be coated with oil and it would fall of the smooth surface. Has anyone tried it out? Thanks!

Edited by TwistyPunch, February 10 2025 - 6:13 PM.

[rptraut]

Hello TwistyPunch;

If you type mineral oil in the search function you will find a thread I started about the use of “Heavy Mineral Oil as a Barrier” and many other informative threads. Answers to this and many of your other questions can be found by using the search function.
RPT

[jo16]

That mite be fine but i used regular veritable oil and all my ants died over night.     

[TwistyPunch]

Hi rptraut,

Thanks so much for the info! I thought I had to scroll through all of the threads to find what I needed and I couldn't find the answer to some of my questions. I didn't even notice the search bar in the corner at first . I'll make sure to search up my questions before starting a new thread.

[ANTdrew]

A good practice will be to search, read at least three relevant threads, then ask a question. There is so much good info stored in the archives!