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Hi guys
Recently there has been ants swarming around a power outlet in my study.
Any tips on getting rid of them without damaging the carpet or the wall paint?
Thanks.
Hello @diynoob7
To get rid of ants in your power point safely, start by turning off the power at the circuit breaker to avoid any risk. If you see ants inside the outlet, try using a vacuum with a nozzle attachment to remove them. Avoid spraying liquids or insecticides directly into the power point, as this can be dangerous. Instead, use ant bait stations like Mortein or Raid ant baits from the store, placing them near the power point so the ants take the bait back to the nest.
To prevent them from returning, check for entry points around the outlet and seal any small gaps with Selleys No More Gaps or a similar caulking product. If the infestation is severe or persists, consider engaging the services of a pest control specialist to inspect for deeper issues, as ants can sometimes nest inside walls and electrical components.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
I would avoid using it for now @diynoob7.
Let me see if experienced member @CSParnell has any advice for you.
Jason
Hi @diynoob7,
I would suggest, in the interests of safety, having the outlet inspected by an electrician and not using it until you've done so. It could just be an access point they've used, though, if they've established a colony within it, that will need to be removed for safe operation, or the power outlet will need to be replaced.
Mitchell
@diynoob7 Yeah that's a tricky one as ants tend to urinate all over electrical components and tend to corrode them and it depends how long they have been doing it and if there is a nest behind there or it is just a passageway.
Look you could put some ant traps/baits at the power point and try to kill them, also spray around the surrounding edges very gently with a surface spray this would tend to get rid of them. Give it some time a few weeks and if the problem is gone the great you can give the power a try with something of load like a hair dryer if there is an issue the RCD will trip instantly otherwise you should be right. If any issues it's straight onto an electrician to replace.
If the ants have been inhabitants for some time then get it replaced for safe sakes.
Use good judgement here like your insurance counts on it. 
