Posted by Gary from Muleshoe on July 17, 2012 at 13:00:58 from (216.229.115.232):
In Reply to: Juiced-up ants posted by JerryS on July 17, 2012 at 12:38:41:
Here is an article I found on this subject:
There is general consensus that when fire ants and other ant species get shocked, they release pheromones that attract other worker ants to the site. Those workers also get shocked, release pheromones, and attract still more ants to the site.
As a result, switching mechanisms can get stuck "open" due to an accumulation of dead ant bodies, which allows the current to flow. How and why worker ants are initially attracted to electrical switches and similar situations where they get shocked is poorly understood. Their presence in these areas could be due to random foraging, or there may be something about electrical fields that attracts them.
Dr. Brad Vinson, Professor of Entomology at Texas A&M University, was involved with earlier lab studies that seemed to indicate that the ants have "an affinity" for electrical fields that makes them rest in those areas, thus making it more likely that they get shocked.
To keep fire ants out of electrical equipment, seal all sensitive electrical components, especially those that are not insulated. Examples are plastic housings containing contact points of switches, relays, and circuit breakers. Apply long-residual contact insecticides around housing, making sure to avoid the electrical circuitry or components. Treat the inside of equipment housings with products labeled for this use. Barrier-like pesticide strips are also available as a preventive measure. Proper placement of these strips is essential for adequate protection.
Regular inspections and treatment of nearby mounds, either individually or with broadcast bait applications over a surrounding area, will prevent fire ants from moving into the equipment boxes. Gary
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - Restoration Story: Fordson Major - by Anthony West. George bought his Fordson Major from a an implement sale about 18 years ago for £200.00 (UK). There is no known history regarding its origins or what service it had done, but the following work was undertaken alone to bring it up to show standard. From the engine number, it was found that this Major was produced late 1946. It was almost complete but had various parts that would definitely need replacing.
... [Read Article]
Latest Ad:
1964 I-H 140 tractor with cultivators and sidedresser. Starts and runs good. Asking 2650. CALL RON AT 502-319-1952
[More Ads]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
