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Ant invasion

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by tarantoga, Sep 4, 2013.

  1. tarantoga

    tarantoga Junior Member

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    2012 Prius Plug-in
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    This is a problem unique to plug-ins: I found a trail of argentine ants climbing up the charging cable, and some on the inside dash. After half an hour following ants I found them nibbling on a dead fly in the engine compartment...

    So, given that every car probably has dead bugs stuck somewhere in the cooler ribs - any good ideas to keep ants out?
    I sprinkled some "kills ants on contact" pulver on the cable going up, but that's not a permanent solution.
     
    #1 tarantoga, Sep 4, 2013
  2. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    It's not really unique to plugins. Your tires touch the ground like everyone else's tires and that provides a trail anywhere in the car.

    Personally I like RAID to kill the buggers, but it is not very eco-friendly and spraying it on a cord you will handle with your hands is probably not a good idea.

    I would tackle to problem a different way. Instead of trying to get the ants to not climb the charger cable, get rid of the ants around the car. If this happens in your garage or on your property then some good traps and/or sprays might get rid of the problem entirely.
     
    #2 2k1Toaster, Sep 4, 2013
  3. chesleyn

    chesleyn Active Member

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    I have spiders that like to sleep in the plug compartment.


    iPad ? HD
     
    #3 chesleyn, Sep 4, 2013
  4. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Call vector control. Many so Cal cities have programs to eliminate (what we here call) red ants.
    .
     
    #4 hill, Sep 4, 2013
  5. Astolat

    Astolat Member

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    I have a moth doing the same, attracted by the light...
     
    #5 Astolat, Sep 4, 2013
  6. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    You need to charge more often...OTOH, finding them next to the gas cap...could take m emonths sometimes to notice this. :)

    Mike
     
    #6 3PriusMike, Sep 4, 2013
  7. 3PriusMike

    3PriusMike Prius owner since 2000, Tesla M3 2018

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    This could be part of a "how green is the Prius?" ad. Even the bugs like it.

    Mike
     
    #7 3PriusMike, Sep 4, 2013
  8. SAronian

    SAronian Active Member

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    For trees we use Tanglefoot. But probably too messy for a cable you want to pack up and store.
     
    #8 SAronian, Sep 4, 2013
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