Reefer trailer ant infestation

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by ElevateMe, Oct 10, 2014.

  1. ElevateMe

    ElevateMe Light Load Member

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    Greetings Drivers.......interesting problem for ya, company purchased used refrigerated trailer, while at pickup, discovered by shipper.....ants.....trailer rejected. later discovered trailer appears to have become nesting place in parts of trailer.
    Tried some treatments my self (-20 over night, insecticide, trailer wash, silicone holes/cracks), yet ants have retreated in walls .....perhaps behind insulation, and of course walls between behind refer engine.
    reason i suspect continued infestation, i found a trail inside refer motor compartment after trying to treat trailer my self.
    obvious problem is trailer rejection with some shippers.......
    not sure how effective household exterminator can be, most won't treat trailer
    share your solutions if you've had this problem and how you solved it........................
    thank you :biggrin_25514:........"be safe"
     
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  3. fortycalglock

    fortycalglock Road Train Member

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  4. ElevateMe

    ElevateMe Light Load Member

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    Thatz agreeable, bro, i thought of that, i suspect there ain't a quick solution, but i needed your experience to help confirm this, thank you....."be safe, fortycalglock"
     
  5. fortycalglock

    fortycalglock Road Train Member

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    Ants suck. You'll just have to wait it out with the bait. Maybe find some industrial freight to haul in the mean time
     
  6. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Depending on where you're at there are companys that fumigate reefers. At one time we had a contract for bananas out of TX to CA and every few loads had to be fumigated before entering CA. It was 700.00 each time.
     
  7. ElevateMe

    ElevateMe Light Load Member

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    yes sir, yeah, agreed, i work for small co.. no trailer swaps available, so we were looking for quick solutions......but it appears as you said it's a unique problem that sucks......and it's gonna take some time and alternative freight, which i discussed with dispatcher........appreciate ya, ur experience is always welcomed, "fortycalglock".........."be safe"
     
  8. ElevateMe

    ElevateMe Light Load Member

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    I'm in temple, ga.......yes! i thought about fumigation....but i ruled it out due to suspected costs. it's a small co., but ima investigate, location, pricing in this area......cuz i have no idea of extent of infestation and may end as only solution..........good advice "Wichris" appreciate ya, ur experience is welcomed........
     
  9. #1 Kenworth

    #1 Kenworth Light Load Member

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    get that ant dusting stuff and puff it into the cracks. not instant but it works. they carry it back on their bodies and will kill/dry up the nest.
     
  10. ElevateMe

    ElevateMe Light Load Member

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    Thankz "#1Kenworth"........makes sense.......u got me thinking if i use combined approaches, except i'm not finding any fumigation services in this area, as "wichris" suggested......i got a local exterminator coming out tomorrow, he says if he can't treat effectively, no charge, and advise......i appreciate your experience "#1 Kenworth"...........always welcomed
     
  11. wichris

    wichris Road Train Member

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    Need to make sure that whatever they use doesn't contaminate the trailer and then the product. Whatever the company's use to fumigate produce loads is "safe" for direct contact with food. Last thing you want is someone sick and they trace it back to your trailer.

    In the 80's we used to freeze mesquite wood going into CA so the ants wouldn't be moving around at the bug check.
     
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