15 replies to this topic

[CoolColJ]

I've applied and reapplied Fluon on this outworld, and this stubborn Camponotus Aeneopilosus worker just walks right through it!

 

 

She will sometimes slip on some patches but for the most part, she just works her way around and can straight climb out of the outworld through it!

So I've had to keep it shut all the time now

 

Pure or diluted, it doesn't matter, I've tried it all

Only thing I think that can stop her is an upside down lip with fluon

Edited by CoolColJ, March 8 2018 - 4:37 PM.

[Ants_Texas]

I've applied and reapplied Fluon on this outworld, and this stubborn Camponotus Aeneopilosus worker just walks right through it!

 

 

She will sometimes slip on some patches but for the most part, she just works her way around and can straight climb out of the outworld through it!

So I've had to keep it shut all the time now

 

Pure or diluted, it doesn't matter, I've tried it all

Only thing I think that can stop her is an upside down lip with fluon

You'll need to have an outworld that's air-tight. The Container Store has some good containers for that.

[drtrmiller]

Fluon is less effective for some species, even if applied to the underside of a lid. In these cases, you can try blotting dry talcum powder (light amounts) onto the wall or underside of lid with a cotton ball, and use in conjunction with an enclosure that has an easily removable lid.

[Ants4fun]

Or use alcohol and mix it in the powder. Then smear it on the glass. The alcohol will dry and you will have lots of powder adhered to the sides.

[AntsNoVA]

Fluon may have decreased effectiveness in humid environments. Maybe your outworld/location of outworld is on the humid side?

[CoolColJ]

Fluon may have decreased effectiveness in humid environments. Maybe your outworld/location of outworld is on the humid side?

 

 

Maybe, but the outworld has dry red soil in it, and only a water feeder test tube, small vents and 2 cotton wool blocked entrances, and no condensation

Seems pretty dry to me

Edited by CoolColJ, March 10 2018 - 2:07 PM.

[AntsNoVA]

 

Fluon may have decreased effectiveness in humid environments. Maybe your outworld/location of outworld is on the humid side?

 

 

Maybe, but the outworld has dry red soil ni it, and only a water feeder test tube, small vents and 2 cotton wool blocked entrances, and no condensation

Seems pretty dry to me

 

Keep in mind though that no condensation does not mean that the ambient air is not humid. The water feeder test tube is still evaporating water that may be lingering in the outworld. If the temperature of the outworld walls is not significantly cooler than the ambient air, then you will see very little to no condensation. It may also be the temperature of your room? Does your room get pretty warm? I have found that for me, on some summers, the fluon doesn't work as well when my room gets a little on the warm side. I will find an escapee or two on warm days. What sucks is I then have to figure out which colony they likely came from!

Edited by AntsNoVA, March 10 2018 - 7:32 AM.

[Ants4fun]

The humidity from the test tube would be negligent. Not enough to affect the fluon. If the room is air conditioned, I would rule out humidity affecting the fluon too much. And even in higher humidity, I find fluon to still be effective, but the lifespan is simply reduced.

Edited by Ants4fun, March 10 2018 - 7:40 AM.

[CoolColJ]

So this same outworld and fluon barrier that failed to contain the Camponotus Aeneopilosus workers, works fine for my Melophorus Sp. workers, but they definitely are not as good at climbing things.
They fall instantly upon reaching the barrier, but they are quite small.

I hear Opisthopsis sp. ants can also walk through fluon barriers, so we shall see

Edited by CoolColJ, March 18 2018 - 4:23 AM.

[CoolColJ]

Well Fluon also does nothing against my Strobe ants, in fact the nanitics just casuallly zip through it and hang upside down....

 

Apparently vinegar is quite effective as a barrier, not by reducing ant grip, but by repelling all species

Gonna try it out on my Strobe ant's outworld

 

For one Vinegar is a lot cleaner than the mess Fluon leaves...appearance wise

Edited by CoolColJ, April 14 2018 - 9:27 PM.

[Scrixx]

Well Fluon also does nothing against my Strobe ants, in fact the nanitics just casuallly zip through it and hang upside down....

 

Apparently vinegar is quite effective as a barrier, not by reducing ant grip, but by repelling all species

Gonna try it out on my Strobe ant's outworld

 

For one Vinegar is a lot cleaner than the mess Fluon leaves...appearance wise

Like what kind of vinegar? 

[CoolColJ]

 

Well Fluon also does nothing against my Strobe ants, in fact the nanitics just casuallly zip through it and hang upside down....

 

Apparently vinegar is quite effective as a barrier, not by reducing ant grip, but by repelling all species

Gonna try it out on my Strobe ant's outworld

 

For one Vinegar is a lot cleaner than the mess Fluon leaves...appearance wise

Like what kind of vinegar? 

 

 

I'll find out!

[CoolColJ]

from the source

 

white I find works best but id watch for a while, cause environment can change outcome

[Dnail]

anyone know effective barrier for Topinoma melanocephalum? they keep invading my queen outworld   

[CoolColJ]

anyone know effective barrier for Topinoma melanocephalum? they keep invading my queen outworld   

 

 

try rub some vinegar on the surface all around the outworld

[drtrmiller]

Vinegar—acetic acid diluted in water—should not to be used as an escape prevention barrier.

While acetic acid will remove any trails the ants have laid, and the liquid will act as a very temporary deterrent, the evaporated acid will, in a poorly ventilated space, depress the ant's nervous system, making them groggy and lethargic, perhaps such that they cannot climb as effectively. But in no way will a vinegar application to glass or plastic surfaces make the surface more slippery, as Fluon does, since all the vinegar evaporates into the air along with the water.

Edited by drtrmiller, April 15 2018 - 7:54 AM.