Get Rid of Ants in Car in 5 Simple Steps
Ants can get anywhere, so they can get into your car too when you leave food crumbs inside the cabin or accidentally spill drinks. These are definitely not the worst pets you can have but ants in car are not welcome either. It’s not pleasant to see them crawling around inside the car.
Ants in Car: What Damage They Can Do?
Ants are small animals and are virtually harmless to humans. However, if they choose your car as their place of residence, it will greatly affect the driver as well as the vehicle.
What would it be like if you were driving and saw dozens of ants crawling under your feet and on your hands? Just hearing it makes you feel “itchy”, right?
And you may wonder what harm tiny insects like ants can do. But, think about an army of ants! Even the common garden ants are capable of inflicting some auto-electrical damage. They can block the oil pump and cut the wiring insulation, relays, and other components.
These are not irreparable damage but could be costly because most automotive repair work is expensive. So, if you spot ants in car, you have to find ways to get rid of them.
How to Get Rid of Ants in Car?
Before starting the process, you may have a question “Why are there ants in my car?” There are many reasons why ants appear in your car, but the main reason is because the car’s interior is dirty. These insects are often easily attracted by the smell of food dropped in the car including food scraps, sweets, juices, etc. In addition, a car accidentally parked on an ant nest also creates an opportunity for ants to crawl along the wheel inside.
If you want to completely remove those insects, follow this step-by-step procedure. Don’t forget to collect these items first:
- A vacuum cleaner
- Ant pesticide
- Ant traps
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1. Get rid of all the trash.
The most common reason for ants getting into your automobile is food scraps and crumbs. It’s normal for every car to transform into a mini trashcan after you order a takeout. But, you should remove them after getting home. Otherwise, they will lure ants and other insects inside the vehicle.
2. Clean the car thoroughly.
After sweeping away all the coffee cups, donut boxes, and burger wrappers, it is time for a thorough cleaning with a vacuum cleaner. Use a vacuum to reach the difficult spots and clean those tiny crumbs that you cannot pick up by hand.
A vacuum unit can easily clean up the dashboard, seats, under the seats, and mats. A portable unit can even sweep the crevices and gaps too.
3. Spray pesticide on the tires.
Tires are the entryway for insects to get in a vehicle. If you block this entrance, there will be no ants in car. Blocking the path of ants is an effective and easy way to kill ants on cars. The most effective measure to take is to spray a strong ant pesticide on the rims of the tires and the wheel edges. Keep the car doors and windows closed and don’t forget to wear gloves and a face mask while spraying. As you are applying the pesticide outside, there’s no way the toxic gas can get inside. Additionally, you can use a mixture of vinegar mixed with water (1:1 ratio) or lemon mixed with water (ratio 4 tablespoons lemon: 30ml water). Spray the mixed solution on places where ants come to get food, ant nests, roads, steps, wheels, and car bodies… The acid in vinegar and lemon can neutralize the fluid that these insects produce secreted to communicate with each other.
4. Change the parking location.
If you are still facing the problem, the parking spot is probably the source of the problem. The location or the sidewalk beside it could be ant infested. Ants can also come from nearby bushes and trees. So, just find another location for the vehicle to park.
5. Use ant traps.
The traps are the last resort for getting rid of ants in car. Purchase a good-quality product and set the traps at places where the ants visit frequently such as inside the trunk, door compartments, and other such spots.
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Some Tips To Keep Your Car Free Of Ants And Other Insects
It is not uncommon for insects such as rodents, ants, and cockroaches to appear in the interior. To get out of them, you need to clean the car interior regularly. In addition, the most optimal way to kill ants on cars is:
Avoid eating in your car
Eating in your car can leave behind food crumbs that attract ants. Try to avoid eating in your car altogether, especially if you’re prone to spills or leaving food wrappers behind.
Seal food properly
If you need to transport food in your car, make sure it is sealed in airtight containers or ziplock bags. This will help prevent any food odors from attracting ants.
Keep windows closed
Whenever you park your car, especially in areas where ants are prevalent, make sure to keep the windows closed. This will minimize the chances of ants finding their way inside.
Use ant deterrents
There are several natural deterrents you can use to repel ants. Some options include placing ant-repellent sachets or cotton balls soaked in peppermint, citrus oil, or vinegar in strategic areas of your car, such as under the seats or in the trunk.
Ants in cars not only affect passengers in the car but can also damage the interior. Drivers need to find ways to kill ants on cars to avoid more serious incidents from occurring.