Ants Invading Your Tesla? This Could Be Why (& How to Get Rid of Them)

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Have you ever experienced a pesky ant problem inside or on the outside of your Tesla? Well, funnily enough, you wouldn’t be the first. A recent post on the Tesla Owners Australia Facebook group brought the issue to light when a new Tesla owner shared a picture of a pretty nasty-looking ant infestation on the rearview mirror of his 5-week-old Tesla.

Here’s the thing: it’s only been parked in a garage and has never been off-road or taken to any park area. So, he threw it to the group to ask if it was normal… and turns out, he wasn’t the first to experience it.

**Caption**: Some commenters were concerned it may be a biosecurity issue

There were a few theories tossed about as to the cause of his ant infestation, which we’ll explore in this blog. We will also discuss the reasons why ants may be attracted to your Tesla, as well as practical tips on how to deal with the infestation. So, whether you’re a new Tesla owner or a long-time fan, keep reading to learn how to keep those pesky ants at bay.

5 Reasons You May Have Ants on Your Tesla

Ants are attracted to electrical things

Did you know that ants are attracted to electrical things? That’s right, they seem to love those electromagnetic fields that electrical devices emit. So, it’s no surprise that they might be drawn to the charging port or other electrical components of a Tesla car. They might also find their way into other devices in the car, like the sound system or navigation system.

Ants can eat silicone and plastic

Believe it or not, ants can actually eat silicone and plastic – two materials that are commonly used in cars. If there are ants on your Tesla, they could potentially cause damage or malfunction to certain parts, like the electrical wiring or engine components. And that’s not something you want to mess around with.

Parking over an ant nest

Here’s something to keep in mind – if you park your Tesla over an ant nest, you might end up with some unwanted ant activity on your car. Ants can easily climb up from the nest and onto the car’s exterior or interior. And if there’s any food or debris in the car, they’ll be even more attracted to it. So, if you’re parking outside, be sure to check for ant nests first!

High touch point mirror or sticky hands

Sometimes, ants are attracted to the car simply because of a high touch point mirror or some sticky hands. When people touch the car, they can leave behind oils, dirt, or other substances that ants might be attracted to. And if there are any food or drink spills in the car, that’s like an open invitation for ants to come on in. So, be sure to keep your hands clean and your car free of any spills or crumbs.

A potential biosecurity issue

If you have ants on your new Tesla, it could potentially be a biosecurity issue. According to one comment on the Facebook thread, there was recently a delay in Tesla deliveries to Australia due to insect infestations.

New Teslas are shipped from China, and Australia has strict biosecurity laws in place to protect our country’s unique flora and fauna, and ants could potentially carry diseases or pests that could be harmful to the Australian ecosystem.

So, do the right thing and give Australian Biosecurity a call if you see ants on your new Mod Y or 3 car. They’ll tell you what to do to get rid of the infestation and make sure it doesn’t cause any bigger problems. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to help protect the environment and biodiversity down under.

How to Get Rid of an Ant Infestation

Ok, so we have some potential reasons as to why you’re experiencing ants on your Tesla … now, how do you get rid of them?

Identify the source of the infestation

Take a look around the car’s surroundings and check for any ant nests or trails that could be leading ants to your car. If you can eliminate the source of the infestation, you can prevent future ant activity on your car. Ants are often attracted to things like food or water, so if you notice any crumbs or spills in or around your car, make sure to clean them up right away.

Clean the car

One of the best ways to prevent ants from taking up residence in your car is to keep it clean. Remove any food or drink residue from the car, as this can attract ants. Use a vacuum to clean the interior, and a pressure washer to clean the exterior. By keeping your car clean, you can reduce the likelihood of ant activity.

Use ant bait

If you’re dealing with a persistent ant problem, you might want to consider using ant bait. Optigard Ant bait is known to be effective, and you can place a small amount of the bait around the car’s tires or on the ground near the car. The ants will take the bait back to their nest, which can help to eliminate the infestation.

Apply surface spray

Another way to prevent ants from entering your car is to apply surface spray around the garage floor. This creates a barrier that prevents ants from entering the garage and climbing into your car. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label and apply the spray in a well-ventilated area.

Use essential oils

Some essential oils, such as peppermint or lemon, are natural ant repellents. You can make a solution of the oil and water and spray it on the car’s exterior and interior to repel ants. This is a natural and safe way to keep ants away from your car.

Seek professional help

If the infestation is severe, you may need to seek the help of a professional pest control service to eliminate the ants. A pest control professional can provide expert advice and guidance on how to deal with the infestation effectively and safely.

Remember to take precautions when using pesticides

When using any type of pesticide, it’s important to take precautions and follow the instructions on the label. Wear protective clothing and use the product in a well-ventilated area. This will help to ensure that you use the product safely and effectively.

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