A method for isolating a first region and a proximate second region of a subterranean formation is disclosed that includes introducing an asphaltene composition into the first region of the subterranean formation, the asphaltene composition including asphaltene dissolved in a solvent, and after introducing the asphaltene composition, introducing an aqueous composition to the first region to precipitate the asphaltene in the first region. The precipitated asphaltene forms a barrier that isolates the second region from at least a portion of the first region.