21 replies to this topic

[Ender Ants]

Is it ok if I just use vaseline as an ant barrier? Or would it be better if I used something else? 

 

Thanks!

[FeedTheAnts]

It depends on the species a lot.

[Ender Ants]

It depends on the species a lot.

What about Lasius?

[FeedTheAnts]

 

It depends on the species a lot.

What about Lasius?

 

I'm pretty sure that would work, it usually does not work for Aphaenogaster and I think a lot of other long legged ants

[Ender Ants]

 

 

It depends on the species a lot.

What about Lasius?

 

I'm pretty sure that would work, it usually does not work for Aphaenogaster and I think a lot of other long legged ants

 

So, don't use vaseline as a barrier for long legged ants? Does dorymyrmex bicolor count as long legged ants?

[MegaMyrmex]

For any ant species, I rememver this rule-
When in doubt, always choosr baby powder.
It even keeps my T. Sessile from climbing up the walls(and also keeps me from driving up the walls

[Ender Ants]

For any ant species, I rememver this rule-
When in doubt, always choosr baby powder.
It even keeps my T. Sessile from climbing up the walls(and also keeps me from driving up the walls

Alright, I'll keep that one in mind!

[AntsCalifornia]

Plain baby powder, or mixed in alcohol? 

[dermy]

I prefer to use Oils, like Canola Oil but I've heard others use Olive oil too.

[T.C.]

I prefer to use Oils, like Canola Oil but I've heard others use Olive oil too.

Olive, canola, and veggie oil all work. Fluon is no doubt the best though.

[Diesel]

all barriers have there pros and cons. IMO baby powder alcohol works the best. other barriers like oils and vaseline allow ants to carry substrate and body parts that will stick so they can cross a barrier. food for thought.

Edited by Diesel, December 8 2017 - 5:03 AM.

[Goldsystem]

Vaseline failed to keep in my first ant colony when I first started ant keeping, that's the only time I've had a queen escape.

[Penguin]

Vaseline failed to keep in my first ant colony when I first started ant keeping, that's the only time I've had a queen escape.

 

I used it for one of my current Formica colonies, needless to say, I had to keep the lid on.

 

I knew they could cross it when I lost one nanitec and when the queen crawled out onto my hand as I was feeding them 

[Serafine]

Formica specifically like to cover sticky barrriers such as vaseline with debris.

[Mettcollsuss]

 

 

It depends on the species a lot.

What about Lasius?

 

I'm pretty sure that would work, it usually does not work for Aphaenogaster and I think a lot of other long legged ants

 

Yeah, my Aphaenogaster can climb pretty much anything. 

[Mettcollsuss]

 Vaseline/Petroleum Jelly is the weakest barrier, suitable for ants that can't climb smooth surfaces, such as Tetramorium and Pogonomyrmex. PTFE/Fluon is very effective and can contain virtually all ants. However, it is fairly pricey. What I find works just as well is talcum powder mixed with rubbing alcohol. So far, I haven't had any species that can walk over it.

Edited by Mettcollsuss, December 9 2017 - 4:13 AM.

[Lazarus]

When buying Baby Powder to mix with alcohol as a barrier, do I have to worry about scented/unscented brands? Will any baby powder do?

[Kevin]

I suggest vegetable oil over talcum powder and Vaseline. Vaseline is probably the worst barrier I have every used, it's slimy and a pain to get off.

[EllisWyatt]

Will any baby powder do?

 

This is something I was wondering. Most baby powder sold around me that I've seen isn't made of talcum powder; it's made of corn starch. Being organic, I would think it could promote bacterial or fungal growth, but I don't actually know one way or another. Is corn starch ok as well? Does it depend on the humidity maintained in the formicarium/out world that it's used in? I made sure to buy talcum powder because it's what I've seen recommended, but I haven't seen anyone mention anything about corn starch.

[Zeiss]

If you wish to use vaseline, it will work best in humid conditions.  If you live somewhere with low humidity levels, it will not hold.