We see all sorts of ants in Tempe:
- Southern fire ants
- Carpenter ants
- Odorous house ants
- Pavement ants
- Argentine ants
- Pharaoh ants
- Rover ants
That’s just a start! There are 300 different types of ants you may see in Arizona, and they play a pretty important role in aerating soil, dispersing seeds, and breaking down organic matter. When they get inside your house, though, it can be more than just a nuisance. If you see them crawling out of an electrical outlet, it can raise your stress level and send you searching for answers to these two questions:
- How do I get rid of ants in electrical outlets?
- Is there an infestation that’s create a bigger safety hazard behind the wall?
DIY pest control doesn’t mix well with electricity, so it’s natural to worry about how to approach the problem. The good news is that there are safe ways to remove ants from an outlet, protect your wiring, and prevent future infestations before they turn into more serious electrical issues.
Why Ants Enter Electrical Outlets
Ants don’t wander into outlets randomly. They are usually following environmental cues inside the walls. Most commonly, they’re looking for warmth and shelter. Electrical boxes create small, warm compartments that are ideal nesting spots.
They might also be:
- Following pheromone paths from food trails behind drywall, often passing directly through junction boxes.
- Seeking out moisture and humidity near sinks, kitchens, exterior walls, or damp areas.
- Coming in through cracks or poor seals around wiring, drywall openings, and foundations.
What Not to Do When You See Ants in Outlets
Before we get into solutions, here’s what not to do to turn your ant problem into a bigger electrical problem.
Never Spray Liquid Insecticide in an Outlet
Liquids and electricity can cause serious problems. Spraying inside the outlet can cause shorts, shocks, or even fires.
Avoid Using Metal Tools
Don’t use metal probes, picks, or knives to dig them out. You can hit energized parts and create shock or arc hazards.
Do Not Work on an Outlet Without Turning Off Power
Always turn off the power before opening or troubleshooting an electrical outlet.
How to Get Rid of Ants in an Electrical Outlet Safely
So, what do you do? Let’s approach this step by step.
Turn Off Power to the Outlet
Go to your breaker panel and switch off the circuit for that room. Before troubleshooting an electrical outlet, you should plug in a device just to confirm that the power’s really out to be safe.
Remove the Outlet Cover
Taking off the cover gives you access to the electrical box without touching wiring. Look for visible ants, debris, or material that might be used for nesting.
Use a Dry Pesticide or Powder Treatment
You can apply a dry pesticide like boric acid or diatomaceous earth can be applied carefully around wiring., but make sure you don’t get any on your wiring.
Vacuum Out Debris
Use a hose attachment to gently suck out any ants or debris. Be careful, it’s easy to pull out components or damage your wiring.
Treat Entry Points Behind the Wall
Even once you’ve cleaned things out and cleared out debris, the problem might return. If the colony is still active, they’ll likely come back. Use ant and base stations near your baseboards, behind appliances, or in the garage to draw ants away from outlets.
Reinstall the Cover and Restore Power
After cleaning and treating the area, reinstall the cover plate and turn your breaker back on. Test the outlet to ensure it works properly.
When Ant Infestations Become an Electrical Hazard
A few ants might just be a nuisance, but if you’ve got a colony taking up residence behind your wall, it can damage wiring and create fire risks. Look for these warning signs:
- Constant ant activity even after treatment
- Warmth, discoloration, or burnt odor around the outlet
- Lights flickering on the same circuit
- Outlet faceplate that feels loose or warped
- Breakers tripping unexpectedly
Ants can damage wire insulation or cluster in ways that create heat, increasing the risk of arcing. Some species are even attracted to electrical currents.
When to Call an Electrician vs. Pest Control
Call pest control if the colony is active and widespread. Call an electrician if wiring may be damaged, the outlet is overheating, or the infestation keeps returning.
In many cases, you may need both services to fully resolve the problem.
If ants have taken over an outlet or you want to make sure your home’s wiring is safe after an infestation, George Brazil’s licensed electricians can inspect, clean, and repair the outlet to make sure you stay safe. Never let a small problem become a safety issue or a major electrical issue. You can trust the professionals at George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical to provide friendly, reliable, same-day service with transparent, upfront pricing. Call today for service.