Why Are There Ants In My Air Conditioner?
Air conditioning is a luxury most of us are now accustomed to. We have learned to both maintain and control the efficiency of our AC units because without it we would melt down here in the south. Recommended maintenance such as changing AC filters, having a programmable thermostat and routine checkups are all great ways to ensure the life of your HVAC unit. However, there is one problem that many homeowners are unsure of how to fix – crazy ants in your air conditioner.
This type of ant makes it home in existing structures because they don’t build mounds like your usual fire ant. They take over spaces like your storage units, garage and HVAC system and although these critters are small, the amount of damage they can cause is extremely large. Tawny ants are attracted to electrical circuits and as they are drawn into the ac unit, the get electrocuted and die. When a large amount of dead ants accumulates in between the contactors, your AC unit can short circuit and stop working.
Experts at Apple Pest Control said that they can treat crazy ant issues using many different methods. It all depends on the type of air conditioning unit you have. You can give them a call today for more information or to schedule a pest control service.
If you’re looking for an at-home ant treatment, the first thing you’ll want to determine where the ants are coming from and why they are there. Turn off your air conditioning and look for signs of food and debris that the ants can feed on. If the crazy ants are living off of dead bugs or food, remove the source immediately as this could draw them away.
Next you’ll want to set up bait stations for the ants around the HVAC system. The tawny ants will be drawn to the bait box because it is enclosed and resembles the air conditioning unit it is currently residing in. As the ants begin to leave, clean the inside and out of the HVAC unit and remove all traces of ant carcasses.
Another tip for DIY pest control is to use essential oils. Peppermint or tea tree oils can be used around the air conditioning unit to ward off ants.
Should none of these tips work, it’s likely your crazy ant infestation is greater than you thought and you should give your local pest control company a call.
