Ants in Backbox

[Mad Bee]

I recently had some problems with the sockets in my conservatory...they were tripping the rcbo.

On investigation I found two of the backboxes stuffed full of dead Ants.

The backboxes have been cleaned out, and the wiring tidied up, but I want to prevent a recurrence.

The ants appear to be finding their way into the backbox through the blockwork, and possibly along the cable routing.

I was thinking of painting a thick layer of neutral cure silicon on the inside of the backbox, in addition to placing some gel based ant poison.

Does anyone have any better suggestions for fully sealing the backbox to prevent ants getting in.

Thanks

 

[sparkwright]

Sounds like you should be addressing where it is outside that they are coming in.

 

[securespark]

I concur.

 

[JohnW2]

.... sockets in my conservatory...they were tripping the rcbo ... investigation I found two of the backboxes stuffed full of dead Ants.

It happens (also other insects, and spiders) - but most commonly outdoors.

I was thinking of painting a thick layer of neutral cure silicon on the inside of the backbox, in addition to placing some gel based ant poison.

Particularly indoors, that's probably as good an idea as any I can think of - although you really ought to try to find out how they are getting in.

I'm not sure what 'neutral cure silicon' is, but beware of standard silicones which give off acetic acid whilst curing - if that comes into contact with electrical things (and perhaps even just the vapour) I know from bitter experience that that can trip RCDs/RCBOs (until the stuff is fully cured).

Outdoors (whether the problem usually arises)( can be more of a problem - since attempts to make electrical accessories totally impenetrable by very small creepy crawlies not uncommonly results in then filling up with water (or even just condensation) instead - which also trios the devices!

Kind Regards, John

 

[Mottie]

On investigation I found two of the backboxes stuffed full of dead Ants.

Been there, seen that!
https://www.diynot.com/diy/threads/pop-flash-smoke-what-was-that.497528/#post-4089486

 

[Mad Bee]

Thanks for the suggestions. Looks like my first thought of painting with neutral cure silicone is not so bad after all.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Just put some ant powder in the back box.

Then they take it back to the nest and it kills them all.

 

[SUNRAY]

Just put some ant powder in the back box.

Then they take it back to the nest and it kills them all.

Yeah... I wish. I know it's what it says on the tin but...

 

[davelx]

Nippon!