11 replies to this topic

[Telinoz]

So, I've been looking at solutions for a permanent anti-climbing barrier for a formicarium.

People use as a temporary barrier (as it needs re-application on a periodic basis) talcum powder, petroleum jelly and Fluon.

Fluon is bascially spray on Teflon (see some data below).

 

This gave me the idea that why not just install a Teflon (PTFE) strip around the top of the out world.

Example of a product: http://www.scopestuff.com/ss_ts31.htm

I've had Teflon cut from sheets in the past as well, it is flexible enough to form etc once cut.

OR

Another option is PTFE tape (I think I've found a product that could be perfect) that you can get tape widths all the way up to 50mm, and if you wanted a bigger barrier, there are ways of ordering that.

The product is generally called: PTFE Teflon Heat Seal Tape Self Adhesive Vacuum Pack Packer ROLL Glass Woven.

I'm finding it on eBay, 0.08mm x 50mm width on a 10M roll for AUD$60 ish.

 

Other than wiping it down every now and then to remove dust which might reduce the anti-slip capabilities of the plastic, it would be a permanent barrier to stop Ants climbing out.

 

1. Anyone tried this?

2. Can someone try this with their established colony if 1. is a NO.

 

I've ordered some of the PTFE tape in the mean time as I think it is the best bet.

I don't have a colony yet and it is Winter here in Australia, so finding Ants might be tough just now.

All I'll need is some workers though once I apply this tape in a container.

I'll post back when I get this trial done.

 

 

DATA on Fluon & PTFE (Teflon);

I've done some more reading around and basically Fluon is PTFE particles suspended in a liquid.

It has a Coefficient of kinetic friction of 0.11 (The Fluon PTFE version).

Now, virgin PTFE has a Coefficient of kinetic friction of between 0.05 to 0.10.

This makes sense as there are less 'gaps' on the surface.

The Fluon would not 100% cover the substrate (glass or acrylic for your out world) it was applied to.

So I'm more confident now that a purer form of PTFE will work as well, if not better than Fluon.

 

I've used Teflon strips in some of my Engineering projects (in my day job) which is what gave me the idea once I started reading up on what people with Formicarium's use as a barrier.

[Cypherf0x]

AntsCanada did a video on it in 2014 and it's been around a long time under various names.

 

[Telinoz]

AntsCanada did a video on it in 2014 and it's been around a long time under various names.

 

Hi, yes he and others have used Fluon.

Please re-read my post as I'm suggesting using something else (actual PTFE in either solid strips or part of a tape).

[dspdrew]

I'm pretty sure based on some of my tests, and drtrmiller's research, that it's not actually the PTFE in Fluon that makes the insects slip, but the surfactant.

[drtrmiller]

I'm pretty sure based on some of my tests, and drtrmiller's research, that it's not actually the PTFE in Fluon that makes the insects slip, but the surfactant.

 

Or a combination thereof.

 

The technical reps (very smart people) who work at the chemical supply companies also couldn't explain why thermal decomposition of the surfactant through baking would render the slip properties with insects ineffective.

 

My research is unfinished, so I haven't reached any conclusion; but I would expect to find some sort of oleochemical or other similar factor that requires some moisture to act as a repelling force.  Removing the surfactant, and thus leaving behind a coating of pure PTFE, appears to render the application useless for containing insects.

[Barristan]

I wonder if an ant would slip off this object:



Maybe someone will make me a frame out of highly polished silicon.

[drtrmiller]

I wonder if an ant would slip off this object:

Maybe someone will make me a frame out of highly polished silicon.

 

So you can sell it?

[Barristan]

 

I wonder if an ant would slip off this object:

Maybe someone will make me a frame out of highly polished silicon.

 

So you can sell it?

 

Only If I quit ant keeping.

[PTAntFan]

Cool video.  How about we just test the tape?

[drtrmiller]

Cool video.  How about we just test the tape?

You can obtain PTFE plumbers tape at any home improvement store very inexpensively. It is pure PTFE. Ants crawl on it the same as they would any other plastic surface. I have tried this and PTFE thin film stock.

[dspdrew]

I have also bought PTFE tape designed to be used as a barrier for insects (https://www.amazon.c...uct/B008XNYWG4/), and it doesn't work at all. Total scam.

[PTAntFan]

And there you have it.