Ants in My Pressure Switch Are Stopping My Well From Giving Water

Pressure Switches

• Pressure switches connect to the main water line running from a well's pressure tank. When water pressure falls below the switch's low setting, the change in pressure closes the switch. Two electrical contacts inside the switch housing physically swing closed, sending electrical power to the water pump. When pressure reaches the upper limit of the switch, the pressure change opens the contacts, turning off the pump. Ants can't affect the upper and lower limit settings of mechanical pressure switches, but ant bodies can interrupt the electrical circuit. As the contacts close, the switch crushes and burns ants caught between the pads.

Ants

• Ants colonies might camp either inside the home or outside. Colonies move frequently and often split into several smaller colonies as populations grow. Columns of ants move constantly along scent trails leading from the hidden colony to sources of food and water. Homeowners often see ants foraging in bathrooms and kitchens. These ants seek both moisture and sweets, harvesting traces of candy from waste bins, spilled sugar from kitchen floors and even toothpaste residue on toothbrushes. Spraying ant columns kills only the ants in view, leaving the parent colonies undisturbed. Slow-acting poison baits harvested by workers can eliminate the colony itself.

Cleaning Switches

• Always trip the circuit breaker or remove the fuse before cleaning the pressure switch. Removing a pressure switch cover clears out most of the ants within minutes, because an ant colony picks up eggs and brood and moves immediately if disturbed. A paint brush can knock many of the ants into a plastic bag for disposal, but most will escape. Using pesticide sprays on the pressure switch parts can cause corrosion, so sweep and blow the ants out instead. Spread the switch contacts open slightly and rub the debris away with a pencil eraser, suggests Central Pump & Supply. Don't work on a live circuit.

Controlling Ants

• Before replacing the cover, check the port in the side of the switch. Some pressure switches include a plug that blocks insects and protects the mechanism from dirt. Seat the plug properly before closing the cover. Scent trails might lead up either the pressure pipe threaded into the bottom of the switch or up the wiring. Cleaning these access routes with a mild detergent obliterates the ant trails. Exterminating ants might require professionals since the most effective chemicals require a license to apply. Homeowners can place child-proof ant baits along known trails to help control ant numbers.