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Corn Starch Barrier

Started By LIFEsize , Jul 30 2019 8:08 AM

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17 replies to this topic

#1 Offline LIFEsize - Posted July 30 2019 - 8:08 AM

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With the issue of talcum powders being linked to cancer and whatnot. It's less available on the shelves at the store and has been replaced with new powders with corn starch instead. Will these new products not work as a traditional ant barrier?

#2 Offline TennesseeAnts - Posted July 30 2019 - 8:11 AM

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I tried this, but the starch just turned into a goopy mess. Fluon would be better than talc, but is more expensive. The Wal-Mart in my area has lots of talc powder still.
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#3 Offline LIFEsize - Posted July 30 2019 - 8:16 AM

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I tried this, but the starch just turned into a goopy mess. Fluon would be better than talc, but is more expensive. The Wal-Mart in my area has lots of talc powder still.

That's good to know. Would you favor fluon over talc with an invicta colony?

#4 Offline TennesseeAnts - Posted July 30 2019 - 8:20 AM

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Definitely.
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#5 Offline Acutus - Posted July 30 2019 - 8:21 AM

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Try applying the corn starch without mixing it just dry. That's what I do with the baby powder. Problem I see though is the Corn Starch may not be as fine? If you try it let us know! :D


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#6 Offline LIFEsize - Posted July 30 2019 - 8:44 AM

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Try applying the corn starch without mixing it just dry. That's what I do with the baby powder. Problem I see though is the Corn Starch may not be as fine? If you try it let us know! :D

Based on ant_dude2908's experience, I don't want to take the risk :P

#7 Offline ANTdrew - Posted August 1 2019 - 5:03 AM

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With invictas, you definitely don’t want to cut corners. Try to put the fluon on an overhanging lip if you can and keep it dryer than a Mormon wedding.
"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#8 Offline drtrmiller - Posted August 1 2019 - 5:29 AM

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I was talking about corn starch in chat the other day after examining a list containing particle size ranges for a number of common materials, and corn starch happens to be extremely fine.

 

The problem with mixing it with water is that, unlike talc powder, which is a mineral, corn starch hydrates and holds onto water really well.  If there is a non-water-based solvent that will not hydrate it, that might work, although you would need to consider material compatibility with the surface to which the mixture would be applied.

 

I would be interested in trying it by dusting the dry powder onto the side walls or container lip/ceiling with a paintbrush or something similar.  I don't think I have any corn starch here on hand, but I'd be interested in hearing about the results!


Edited by drtrmiller, August 1 2019 - 5:34 AM.

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#9 Offline Acutus - Posted August 1 2019 - 10:09 AM

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that's what I'm saying. I don't mix the Baby powder anymore either just dust the sides. It has to be reapplied more frequently but it works well. I'll try substituting corn starch to see if that'll work too. :D


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#10 Offline ponerinecat - Posted August 1 2019 - 11:59 AM

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My monomorium ate the barrier and then escaped.


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#11 Offline Acutus - Posted August 1 2019 - 12:01 PM

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My monomorium ate the barrier and then escaped.

:lol:  :lol:  I can see that happening! 


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#12 Offline ANTdrew - Posted August 1 2019 - 3:23 PM

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My monomorium ate the barrier and then escaped.

LOL! That’s ends the discussion.
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"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#13 Offline Acutus - Posted August 2 2019 - 7:21 AM

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Ok so I just put corn starch on one side of my Aphaenogaster Out World. I'll keep you posted. So far they can climb it.


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Camponotus chromaiodes

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#14 Offline Acutus - Posted August 14 2019 - 7:26 AM

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Results?   Not effective!!! It works for a little bit but I think it doesn't adhere to the plastic as well as baby powder there for it only last a very short time! I would put it on the one side but by the next day they could climb that side freely.


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Currently keeping:

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#15 Offline nofuel11 - Posted April 6 2023 - 12:58 PM

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Results?   Not effective!!! It works for a little bit but I think it doesn't adhere to the plastic as well as baby powder there for it only last a very short time! I would put it on the one side but by the next day they could climb that side freely.

 

Thanks so much for posting the results. I'm also having trouble finding talc and was just about to try this instead.


#16 Offline Manitobant - Posted April 6 2023 - 1:21 PM

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That member hasn’t been online in over 3 years…
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#17 Offline Flu1d - Posted April 6 2023 - 5:58 PM

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I tried this, but the starch just turned into a goopy mess. Fluon would be better than talc, but is more expensive. The Wal-Mart in my area has lots of talc powder still.

That's good to know. Would you favor fluon over talc with an invicta colony?

Absolutely not.

I use talcum powder (I live in Florida and buy it from Amazon, its priced fairly well.. also baby powder works the exact same as talcum) mixed with alcohol. Fluon is mids and the best barrier for my invicta is 100% talcum. I have had ZERO escapes, ever.

#18 Offline Flu1d - Posted April 6 2023 - 6:00 PM

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That member hasn’t been online in over 3 years…


Crap.. I just realized this was a necro post right after I posted.
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