Ant Spray Question

Hey All,

I noticed I was getting some ants in the room I have my tanks in today. So tonight I went outside found where they were coming from and sprayed the nest. It was outside of the room near the base of our AC unit. I’m wondering how long I should wait until turning on the AC again? The fan that sucks in the outside air on the unit is on top and I didn’t spray near that but I just want to be sure that no fumes get sucked into the vents and get into the room. Any ideas on how long I should wait?

 

Hey All,

I noticed I was getting some ants in the room I have my tanks in today. So tonight I went outside found where they were coming from and sprayed the nest. It was outside of the room near the base of our AC unit. I’m wondering how long I should wait until turning on the AC again? The fan that sucks in the outside air on the unit is on top and I didn’t spray near that but I just want to be sure that no fumes get sucked into the vents and get into the room. Any ideas on how long I should wait?

If it rains, you can safely turn it back on right after the rain dries up or after it's rained for a few hours. If no rain, considering it's outside, i'd just wait 24 hours

 

I really doubt if the ant spray will hurt your fish if you sprayed it outside.

 

If it rains, you can safely turn it back on right after the rain dries up or after it's rained for a few hours. If no rain, considering it's outside, i'd just wait 24 hours

Well since I didn’t spray it near the actual fan I’m hoping 12 hours will suffice because it’s going to be a hot day tomorrow and I need to use it..

I really doubt if the ant spray will hurt your fish if you sprayed it outside.

Yeah I agree. My concern was it coming inside from the AC but I won’t be turning it on until morning anyways which is a good 8 hours from now..

 

I mean it would almost have to be deliberately sprayed in the tanks to affect them.

 

I mean it would almost have to be deliberately sprayed in the tanks to affect them.

Even with Bettas since they breath our oxygen too?

 

I wouldn't worry about it

 

I should all be dried up in a few hours. And even if wet its not airborn any more.

 

Even with Bettas since they breath our oxygen too?

I have gouramis and just last week they redid the road in front of my home and I'll tell you it was very heavy and toxic so I had to close the window but much fumes did enter and I was worried being that gouramis breath surface air too but they didn't seem to mind and soon the fumes dispersed. I'm sure you won't have your ac on with you standing there continuously spraying fresh gas into your vents.....you'll be OK I'm sure and if concerned try a fan in the room to keep the air moving meanwhile and not stagnant but I'm sure its fine.

 

The best and safest way to get rid of ants is to use a delayed toxicity bait that doesn't kill the drones before they bring a toxic amount of bait back home to the queen(s). You can DIY with just the right amount of borax.

 

The best and safest way to get rid of ants is to use a delayed toxicity bait that doesn't kill the drones before they bring a toxic amount of bait back home to the queen(s). You can DIY with just the right amount of borax.

Yeah I actually read up on that online. Prettt interesting actually.. thank you for your help.

The best and safest way to get rid of ants is to use a delayed toxicity bait that doesn't kill the drones before they bring a toxic amount of bait back home to the queen(s). You can DIY with just the right amount of borax.

I have gouramis and just last week they redid the road in front of my home and I'll tell you it was very heavy and toxic so I had to close the window but much fumes did enter and I was worried being that gouramis breath surface air too but they didn't seem to mind and soon the fumes dispersed. I'm sure you won't have your ac on with you standing there continuously spraying fresh gas into your vents.....you'll be OK I'm sure and if concerned try a fan in the room to keep the air moving meanwhile and not stagnant but I'm sure its fine.

I’m glad to here your guys are ok. Yeah I just sprayed one area and it’s not near the fan so even if I did spray by the fan by the time it filters through the house I think it will be gone anyways.

I should all be dried up in a few hours. And even if wet its not airborn any more.

Yeah I’ve been running it this morning and don’t even smell it so I think I’m ok..

 

Is it a split system type? If so, The fan on the outside has nothing to do with the head unit inside. This is for the outdoor unit only. The head unit inside pulls air from the room, usually through the top - which is why there are filters under the cover. Will be completely safe to spray outside and have it going.

 

Even with Bettas since they breath our oxygen too?

I had to spray raid around the bases of my betta tanks to keep ants out a few years ago. I made sure the lids were on and was careful not to aI'm it near the stands, and had no problems.

 

I had to spray raid around the bases of my betta tanks to keep ants out a few years ago. I made sure the lids were on and was careful not to aI'm it near the stands, and had no problems.

Thanks for your help. Just got a little too worried. Everything seems fine now.

Is it a split system type? If so, The fan on the outside has nothing to do with the head unit inside. This is for the outdoor unit only. The head unit inside pulls air from the room, usually through the top - which is why there are filters under the cover. Will be completely safe to spray outside and have it going.

It’s funny you say that because I was just looking at the way it’s set up and I think your 100% right. There’s a “unit” outside my bathroom window with a fan on the top and there’s always a intake vent outside the room in the hallway where the filter is. Of course then I have the small vent where the cold or hot air comes out of in the actual room. So I’m curious if the air comes up through the intake with the filter in the hallway what is the fan on the outside doing? It looks like it’s blowing air out.. could be wrong though.