1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Unexpected PIP problem: ants!

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by dcortesi, Oct 7, 2012.

  1. dcortesi

    dcortesi New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 16, 2012
    3
    1
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Repeatedly I go out in the morning to my plug-in sitting in the driveway, plugged in overnight, and find lots of little black ants crawling around the rear fender. The only way they could get there is by climbing up the power cord. Something about the power cord attracts them to climb up and wander around the bodywork.

    Not a major problem as these aren't hostile or dangerous in any way, just annoying. Any suggestions on how to un-attract them or keep them off?
     
    #1 dcortesi, Oct 7, 2012
  2. John H

    John H Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2012
    2,208
    558
    0
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I think they are attracted to the vibrations made by the electrical charging circuits. I have the same problem with active ac electronics around the ranch. you can confirm by plugging in but throw the breaker switch so that there isn't any power and see if the ants still climb the cord.

    I spread diatomous earth around the electrical equipment with some success.
     
    #2 John H, Oct 7, 2012
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,206
    50,078
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    you can get an ant guard for a hummingbird feeder that might connect to the vertical section of the cord?
     
    #3 bisco, Oct 7, 2012
  4. ahmeow

    ahmeow Prius Lover

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2010
    366
    70
    0
    Location:
    North CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    OK those ants might also wanted to be charged haha.. kidding.
     
    #4 ahmeow, Oct 7, 2012
  5. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2010
    3,970
    2,618
    0
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Wipe some orange peel around 2" of the power cord, near the handle.
     
    #5 Rebound, Oct 8, 2012
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)