10 replies to this topic

[AntsMaryland]

Ok, so I am thinking about using baby powder as a barrier. I am currently using vaseline and it is working fine. However, I know that baby powder barriers work better for more species of ants. I can't use fluon because my area has very high humidity. When I have tried using baby powder and rubbing alcohol it always manages to fall off. Or their becomes little dust specs in the outworld. Is this normal for this kind of barrier? If not how can I prevent it? Should I use rubbing alcohol and baby powder or just rub baby powder on? Is the baby powder harmful to ants? Thanks. 

[drtrmiller]

Alcohol is not needed, and may make the barrier less effective.

Dispense some baby powder or talc in a bowl, and gently coat a cotton ball or cotton swab with a small amount of the dry powder before lightly dusting the walls which you want to prevent the ants from escaping. Alternatively, you may dispense the baby powder or talc directly onto the walls of your disconnected, ant-free foraging area, and roll it from one wall to the next before dumping out any excess powder.

Baby powder and talc work by creating small, loose particles that fall off when ants attempt to climb the surface. Eventually they will all fall off, and the talc will remain in the foraging area, so it can be a relatively messy option. It works especially well for 5 gallon buckets.

[AntsMaryland]

Thank you.

[Bryce]

Buy byformica fluon. It's works fantastic. It's what I use now and proven. Spend the money it cost, it will last a long long time and you won't have to mess with concoctions that may only work some of the time. Don't be afraid to invest a little money into your hobby. It pays in the long run. I might to a new thread about this.

Edited by Bryce, August 27 2017 - 2:15 PM.

[AntsMaryland]

I already have it. It's just too humid in my area so it won't work.

[Bryce]

Then you will needs a lid. It's pretty much that simple. My brother keeps ants and lives in the by the Keys in Florida. He can't use fluon either. He using canned air to keep the ants back when he opens the lid.

Edited by Bryce, August 27 2017 - 3:22 PM.

[AntsMaryland]

I think I will just use olive oil, baby powder, and vaseline. It's working so far. Plus I don't really want to have to deal with canned air. Sounds like a hastle.

[Bryce]

As opposed to mixing up oilive oil, baby powder and vaseline together and smeering it on the outside of your nest. OK then

[AntsMaryland]

That's not what I do

[Bryce]

As I came back and read my post it sounded harsh. My apologies that was not my intention. If that works for you then fantastic. I was just trying to give you another suggestion.

[AntsMaryland]

It's ok. Best Regards! 

By ant chance, what would the best way to make a lid so the ants don't escape?