Ant nest in gas meter box

sophiedophie

Hi all,

Unsure if this really belongs here but didn't know where else!

I just went to take a gas and electricity reading and as I opened the cover on the gas, 100s or 1000s of ants and ant eggs came pouring out.

I am completely grossed out - so much so that after receiving an email from Scottish power today inviting me to get a smart meter fitted I am seriously considering it! Please check my understanding - if I get it fitted, I shouldn't have to touch the outside boxes?

Does anyone know if the ant nest can cause any problems with the gas or anything else I need to consider? They have managed to get a large amount of dirt in the cut out where the meter is. I have tried to get most of the dirt/eggs out using a broom but until my partner comes home, I don't want to touch it again!

Thanks for any help!

badmemory

It would be interesting to know if it would be safe to spray with an ant killer, especially as they tend to be very oily. You have my sympathy in having to deal with this. Hope someone can help!

Westin

Presumably the gas meter box is outside?

If so I would just leave the cover open for now. The ants will not like the sunlight and likely move. If they don!!!8217;t then I!!!8217;m sure word will spread in the bird community and the eggs will disappear overnight.

As for the smart meter...I have had two. One poorly fitted caused a gas leak. The other stopped working when we changed supplier. The network company installed a new old style manual one in the end. The fitter told me they have no end of problems with the smart meters and suggested waiting until the next generation ones come out.

Lorian

https://www.wilko.com/en-uk/wilko-ant-insect-killer-powder-450g/p/0300414

robin58

badmemory wrote: »

It would be interesting to know if it would be safe to spray with an ant killer, especially as they tend to be very oily. You have my sympathy in having to deal with this. Hope someone can help!

Been using fly spray. Just as effective as an instant killer. And not oily.

sophiedophie

Thanks for the tips! It's currently propped open and will get some powder tomorrow.

I am always wary of creepy crawlies when opening the boxes but just didn't expect this!

House_Martin

In 20 years opening boxes reading the meters I have seen allsorts taking up residence in meter boxes.Several species of birds nest s Robins, Blackbird , Song Thrush , bee s nests, wasps, and a few frogs and once a toad in a semi concealed type meter box.
I m not sure why on earth you are "grossed out " by ants or any insects. .
No need to do anything. Do not spray them or attempt to kill them if they are not entering your home so they are not harming you at all..
Anyone can take a meter reading in a few seconds in a meter box once every 3 months. They will be most likely gone by the next quarters reading.
The box is owned by you or the house owner and nothing to do with the supplier

badmemory

House_Martin wrote: »

The box is owned by you or the house owner and nothing to do with the supplier

So spray away then? As ants can do some damage & that it would seem is your responsibility!! really!!