6 replies to this topic

[trueviper]

I'm planning to use PTFE in escape proofing ant foraging areas for Lasius niger and Camponotus ligniperda.

 

Any experience with PTFE and these species will be greatly appreciated.

 

I treated a small plastic tub with PTFE, about 1 cm deep and only one layer around the top inside edge and 2 Lasius niger managed to escape. I'm going to try 2 layers this time and 4cm deep and see if this works.

 

If it doesn't work I don't know what I'm going to do, I was kind of banking on this stuff to work!

 

[drtrmiller]

I treated a small plastic tub with PTFE, about 1 cm deep and only one layer around the top inside edge and 2 Lasius niger managed to escape.

 

Are you using Fluon?  PTFE is a plastic which is a component of Fluon, which is the trade name for the insect deterrent containing PTFE as an aqueous dispersion.  Other products that contain PTFE will not work.

 

How are you applying it and on what surface are you applying it?  

 

Applying an additional coat on top of a dry one is a very bad idea because the first coat will coagulate into particles and render both coats ineffective.  In a nutshell, Fluon must be applied extremely smoothly, and only onto a clean and also smooth surface.  Also, the applied product must be kept away from heat and humidity (open top ventilation works best).

 

There is a help page on my website for Fluon:

 

http://byformica.com/Fluon

Edited by drtrmiller, April 2 2015 - 11:28 AM.

[trueviper]

Hi drtrmiller, 

 

the company in the uk called Antkit sells the stuff I got and they call it PTFE.

 

I'm applying it with a small brush that it is supplied with to the inside of a  a small plastic food container. It's the first time I've used it and this was just an experiment to see if it would work. It is a clean and smooth surface and thanks for the tip, I shall apply only one coat.

 

 I haven't started a colony yet, I just caught some wild Lasius to experiment with.

[trueviper]

ok so I took another look at the tub I used,  it was an old tub and admittedly it wasn't as smooth as it should have been. Am now trying again with a brand new tub that I'd bought which has inside walls as smooth as glass. Have applied a thin layer as I was probably using too much, will let it dry and begin experiment again. Will report back results.

[Foogoo]

Should it leave white residue? I'm always unsure if I'm applying it too thick or too thin.

 

Also, why do you recommend applying to the outside walls? To prevent critters from entering? I'm thinking that would guarantee any escapees wouldn't be able to hang around the nest and will be harder to corral back in.

Edited by Foogoo, April 2 2015 - 11:51 AM.

[drtrmiller]

Should it leave white residue? I'm always unsure if I'm applying it too thick or too thin.

 

Also, why do you recommend applying to the outside walls? To prevent critters from entering? I'm thinking that would guarantee any escapees wouldn't be able to hang around the nest and will be harder to corral back in.

 

These are good questions.  

 

I've answered your questions in the new "Frequently Asked Questions" section at http://www.byformica.com/Fluon

 

The answers are also copied below:

 

• There is a film or residue after the Fluon dries. Is this normal?
  • Yes, properly applied Fluon will result in a white film or residue. The smoother and more even this film, the more effective the Fluon will be. Streaks or drips indicate too much Fluon was applied, and the resulting application will be less effective.
• Why is it advised to apply Fluon to the outside of a formicarium as well as the inside?
  • The answer is twofold: 1) In the event of an escape, ants must lay a trail of pheromones in order to relocate the colony or to recruit others to food outside the formicarium. Applying Fluon to the outside keeps ants from laying these recruitment trails. 2) Fluon on the external sidewalls of a formicarium prevents invasive house ants from entering the formicarium and attacking the intended occupants.

Edited by drtrmiller, April 2 2015 - 12:23 PM.

[trueviper]

I think I've got it. Applied thin layer being careful not to over coat onto a very clean and smooth surface and the ants have been unable to escape.

 

Problem 1 solved, this was my biggest concern and now I'm pretty confident. Thanks Drtrmiller, your advice was just what I needed!