Are you tired of constantly dealing with ants escaping from your outworld? Keeping ants can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby, but it's essential to know how to prevent these tiny adventurers from making their great escape. In this blog post, we will discuss effective methods to apply anti-escape measures to your ant outworld, ensuring your ants stay safe and secure.
Types of Anti-Escape Barriers
There are various types of anti-escape barriers available, but in this guide, we will focus on two of the most common methods: Fluon and talchohol. Fluon is a chemical substance frequently used for escape prevention, while talchohol is a homemade mixture of talc and alcohol.
Some people also use olive oil, but we do not recommend it. The key to successful ant-keeping lies in preparing the anti-escape layer correctly, as a well-prepared layer will keep your ants in, while a poorly prepared one will do the opposite.
Preparation is Key
The number one mistake that many beginners make is applying the anti-escape barrier after assembling the outworld. To avoid this, we recommend applying the barrier before completing the assembly. If your outworld has a top plate glued in place, it's best to rotate it 180 degrees and let it dry to prevent any droplets from dripping down and obstructing your view.
But what if your ants are already inside the outworld? In that case, you should disconnect the outworld, remove the ants, apply the barrier, and then reconnect it. If you can't do any of this, apply the barrier as thinly as possible to prevent unsightly streaks on your outworld.
Application Techniques for Different Outworlds
Let's take a closer look at the application techniques for various outworlds.
This outworld has a removable top plate, making it a bit different from standard outworlds. When assembling it, place all the plates next to each other, as demonstrated in the video. Apply a long strip of painter's tape as shown, and then proceed to apply the barrier. When you reassemble the outworld, you'll have a perfect, aesthetically pleasing barrier that your ants cannot cross.
For medium and large outworlds, talchohol is recommended. Before application, ensure that the mixture is well-shaken to prevent separation of the talc and alcohol. Dip a brush into the mixture and apply it in a circular or even motion, making sure it's spread thinly and evenly across the top layer. Please be aware that alcohol can react with acrylic under pressure, potentially causing microcracks in the acrylic. After spreading the mixture and letting it dry, assemble the top plate on the outworld to create a nearly invisible, perfect barrier that will keep your ants from escaping.
Additional Tips and Considerations
Remember that this guide might not apply to all ant-keeping scenarios, as there are exceptions within the hobby. If you encounter someone who needs guidance on applying an anti-escape barrier correctly, please share this blog post with them to make ant-keeping more enjoyable and trouble-free.
Stay tuned for our updated blog on this topic for even more insights and tips. And, if you have any questions or suggestions for future tutorials, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy ant-keeping! If you are a more visual learner check out this video: