Then toss in a couple of clothes dryer sheets (Bounce) and or moth balls.
Redo every couple months.
On Sep 26, 2010, at 17:10, "Jim Hargrave" <w5ifp@gvtc.com> wrote:
> Steve,
>
> I would suggest you spray WD-40 into it. It should not damage the motor and
> will kill the ants. I would not use any insecticide, because it is
> corrosive. Once the ants/spiders are dead, you should be able to clean it
> out with air pressure.
>
> We have a similar problem with our water well pressure controllers. Fire
> ants love them.
>
> 73's Jim
> W5IFP
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
>> [mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Steve Daniel
>> Sent: Sunday, September 26, 2010 9:36 AM
>> To: 'TowerTalk'
>> Subject: [TowerTalk] SteppIR vertical
>>
>>
>> Good morning. I have the 6-40 meter vertical which, until
>> recently, has worked well. Suddenly, I was hearing nothing. The
>> element seems to cycle properly but no signals.
>> After checking the coax and finding no problem I opened the unit
>> at the bottom of the antenna to find it full of ants and not a
>> few small spiders. The gasket was in good repair so they must be
>> entering from underneath somehow. My question is this. How can I
>> clean out the mess they have left without damaging the motor? Can
>> I use an insecticide to kill the little critters? Can I hose out
>> the unit, allow it to dry, try to determine the entry point and
>> then plug it? Then perhaps I can determine what the electrical
>> problem is. I am just not sure how aggressive I can be in
>> cleaning the unit. If anyone has any experience or suggestions I
>> would certainly appreciate the input. 73, Steve, NN4T.
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>>
>>
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