Ants in the pump switch

[Maxman2]

We have had rain down here. Lots of it. With the rain come the ants. When there is a lot of rain the ants get into the switch on the pump of the water system. They get between the contacts and when the pump is supposed to go on the contention is blocked. Take a long screwdriver out with the very thick plastic handle and flick the contacts until all the ants are burned off and the pump and switch work like they are supposed to. Any one experience this. Any ideas. I noticed this morning that the pine needles have piled up around the base of the pump and I have to clear that out. Thanks to all who try to help.

 

[Ninering62]

We have had rain down here. Lots of it. With the rain come the ants. When there is a lot of rain the ants get into the switch on the pump of the water system. They get between the contacts and when the pump is supposed to go on the contention is blocked. Take a long screwdriver out with the very thick plastic handle and flick the contacts until all the ants are burned off and the pump and switch work like they are supposed to. Any one experience this. Any ideas. I noticed this morning that the pine needles have piled up around the base of the pump and I have to clear that out. Thanks to all who try to help.

We have the exact same thing happening here.
It’s amazing how the ants get so packed in that box that they stop the contacts from working.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to clean them out of it.

 

[Maxman2]

We have the exact same thing happening here.
It's amazing how the ants get so packed in that box that they stop the contacts from working.
I've lost count of how many times I've had to clean them out of it.

Sympathy but no long-term solution

 

[Maxman2]

I dont like using 7 dust around things as we do drink that water and with the rain it gets washed away a lot. Looking for a magical solution but I don't think there is one. BTW what do you use to clean the contacts.? Now I just flick em till the little buggers are cremated.

 

[GumSloughMuzzleloader]

Over the years I've had ants, anoles, and palmetto bugs get fried in the contacts.

 

[Maxman2]

Over the years I've had ants, anoles, and palmetto bugs get fried in the contacts.

O believe these ants are good insulators. Being there doesn't bothers me, when the pump stops, that bothers me.

 

[Ninering62]

O believe these ants are good insulators. Being there doesn't bothers me, when the pump stops, that bothers me.

Exactly! I don't give a damn about them ants packing themselves in that box & frying. I only care when the water stops & I have to clean that box & contacts out again.

 

[GumSloughMuzzleloader]

And get out of the shower when you're half rinsed off.

 

[rem_fan]

Add an anode to your down pipe

 

[Maxman2]

Exactly! I don't give a damn about them ants packing themselves in that box & frying. I only care when the water stops & I have to clean that box & contacts out again.

Not an image I want to carry with me today.

 

[Maxman2]

Add an anode to your down pipe

Not much trouble with the anoles. The basilisk and the curly tails keep them at bay.

 

[Ninering62]

Not an image I want to carry with me today.

I hear ya

 

[rem_fan]

Not much trouble with the anoles. The basilisk and the curly tails keep them at bay.

Anode lol

 

[Maxman2]

Anode lol

Been made smarter and a little embarrassed at the same time.

 

[rem_fan]

Been made smarter and a little embarrassed at the same time.

Not intended maxman, I only know this from growing up in the country. All of my life I've had wells for water, my grandfather added these anodes to all of the wells we used. The oscillation of the electricity is what I was told attracts ants to the power boxes

 

[Maxman2]

Not intended maxman, I only know this from growing up in the country. All of my life I've had wells for water, my grandfather added these anodes to all of the wells we used. The oscillation of the electricity is what I was told attracts ants to the power boxes

No problem. I have never seen or heard of the anodes before. How do they work to keep the ants out of the switch. Can I put them in the water pipe before or after the check valve. Even if I can or can't do it, I do like the education. Thanks.

 

[rem_fan]

No problem. I have never seen or heard of the anodes before. How do they work to keep the ants out of the switch. Can I put them in the water pipe before or after the check valve. Even if I can or can't do it, I do like the education. Thanks.

My grandfather always told me the anode changes the frequency of the oscillation from the electrical circuit thus the insects are not attracted I have never installed one myself i had one installed by my well driller when I bought my place here have you installed a ground rod 8 foot long near the pump outlets?

 

[Maxman2]

My grandfather always told me the anode changes the frequency of the oscillation from the electrical circuit thus the insects are not attracted I have never installed one myself i had one installed by my well driller when I bought my place here have you installed a ground rod 8 foot long near the pump outlets?

There was a ground rod hen I bought it, how long ????