There’s no doubt that ants are a common problem for many Texas homeowners. However, there’s something that rarely crops up in our minds — ants finding a way into air conditioners and causing damage. Ants, especially the tawny crazy ants, can wreak havoc on your heating and cooling unit.
Unlike fire ants that build mounds, the crazy ants seek homes in pre-existing cavities. An air conditioner offers just the perfect spaces for these invasive species because they attract electrical circuits. Read on to find out the risk of having ants in the air conditioner and how to fix the problems they cause.
The danger ants pose to your air conditioner
When the crazy ants swam inside your AC unit, their bodies create connections between electrical contacts, leading to electrocution. Now hold on, isn’t toasting the ants a good thing because you’re eliminating them effortlessly? Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
The danger usually starts with a few ants. Once the ants get electrocuted, they produce a chemical that alarms other ants to come to their rescue. As the other tens and hundreds of ants come to rescue their friends, they also get caught up in the cycle of electrocutions.
Air conditioning units exposed to masses of ants end up short-circuiting, preventing the AC from turning on.
How to get rid of ants from your AC
If you notice that the crazy ants have invaded your air conditioner, here are tips for you.
1. Inspect the AC unit to determine where ants are coming from.
2. Remove any dead bug or food sources around the AC system to avoid attracting more ants.
3. Clean the outside of the AC unit using a towel dampened with soapy water to remove the scent trails.
4. Set up bait stations around your air conditioner to lead out ants that might be nesting in the unit. Be sure to clean the HVAC unit inside out and get rid of any ant carcasses.
5. Try spreading peppermint, spearmint, or tea tree oils around your outdoor unit. These essential oils are excellent natural ant repellants.
6. Call an exterminator near you if you have an infestation.
When to call HVAC professionals
If the ants in the air conditioner contractor have already caused damage that your AC unit can’t turn on, your best approach is to contact HVAC experts. Texas Air Repair is a trusted professional HVAC company with trained and experienced technicians who will get your AC up and running in no time. Call us today at (210) 380-8000 to book an appointment.
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Texas Air Repair offers air conditioning, heating, and indoor air quality services to residential and commercial customers in San Antonio, TX & the surrounding areas with their 25+ years of experience.
