Types of Ants That Can Damage Electronics

Ants! They may love to dwell in hidden and humid spaces that may be small, but they know how to create a complete presence of their own. 

Electronic devices and electrical boards are spots that ants like. You may be oblivious to this fact, but you should know that certain ant species can cause serious damage to your electrical equipment. 

Yes, we can keep any numbers under control with enough order and cleanliness; however, an infestation can threaten your appliances. In this article, we will identify ants, looking specifically at ant species that target electrical equipment and provide solutions on how to get rid of them. 

Types of Ants That Damage Electrical Appliances

Not all ants are the same, and different types of ants will target different spaces to shelter themselves. This is typical, for example, with black carpenter ants, which are drawn to moisture and heat. They are common ants in Canada and especially as an ant species in Ontario.  

Here is a list of ant species that are more likely to nest themselves in electronic installations:

• Kamikaze ants
• Fire ants
• Asian super ants
• Tawny crazy ants
• Acrobat ants
• Carpenter ants 
• Tiny black ants

Why Do Ants Attack Electrical Appliances?

It is possible to keep the number of ants in your home under control; however, if you don’t take the necessary precautions to keep the numbers controlled, you should expect an infestation. 

Aside from food, there are other reasons why an army of ants would be attracted to electrical appliances:

• Certain types of ants, like one of the types of ants in Ontario, the black carpenter ant, find electronic appliances to be perfect nests for shelter.
• Electronic appliances have circuit breakers, electric outlets and pumps, or air conditioner units. These provide ideal temperatures of heat and warmth. 
• Poor sanitation is also a massive contributor to the reasons why ants find electrical appliances as ideal spots. 

What Damage Can Ants Do to Your Electrical Appliances?

Homeowners can take preventative measures to keep ant numbers under control by practicing good and healthy sanitation. 

Possible damages include: 

• Ant armies colonizing electronic parts like electric pumps and transformer boxes
• Damage to wirings, which could result in a fire

In the event of an infestation, seek immediate professional assistance from a pest-related service. 

How to Eliminate Ants in Electrical Appliances Naturally

Here’s a list of simple do-it-yourself methods that you can use to control ants that have nested themselves in your appliances. 

Use Insecticides

Use powder insecticides near appliances and fixtures, not liquid sprays. Liquids should be nowhere near anything electric. 

Use Ant Baits

Whatever the queen ant eats, the colony eats, too. Using an ant bait can help kill the queen and, in turn, kill the rest of the colony. 

Use Natural Ant Repellants

Some natural herbs and repellents can help in dealing with an ant infestation. This includes essential oils, camphor, cinnamon, cucumber, chilli, baby powder, mint, garlic, and lavender. 

Seal up Any Holes and Gaps In Electronics

Seal all holes and gaps that act as passages for ants to enter the inside of the appliance. Also, always keep the area clean. 

Visit Pest Guide Today

Visit Pest Guide as soon as possible in the case of these options not being effective. 

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