Olive oil as barrier?

[CanadianAntman]

I am using Olive oil as my current barrier for ants. As fluon was a bit pricey and bby powder&alcohol didn't seem like a good option. But after applying it I saw my queens repeatedly cleaning themselves and pushing their mandibles down to the ground(Ectomomyrmex javanus)
Are they safe for ants?
If not, what can I substitute with? (I just want to know if it works)

Thank you

[Antloverhuman]

Olive oil is safe but you need to re apply it every 1-2 days. I think the ants are fine. Maybe they wanted to dig somewhere and ants clean themselves very often so don't worry.
You can also use just baby powder or baby powder mixed with rubbing alcohol and apply it on the walls. It works really well