Microwaves have become the basic essential in every kitchen. They are the number one reliable and most trusted appliances in today’s world. However, when talking about microwaves, it is impossible to ignore the problems that come with them.
By problems, we obviously mean the tiniest creatures that cause the greatest problems, ants. It is impossible to find one person who would agree they have never faced ant attacks in their microwaves or other kitchen appliances. Ants have become the biggest nemesis of all.
Ants in a microwave
Ants in a microwave are very common. Even the slightest food residue on the microwave will welcome the never-ending chains of ants. Also, the working mechanism of a microwave that is different from a normal heating appliance allows the ants to enjoy their stay even longer. Not only that, ants themselves are pretty unique creatures that have a high tolerance in such areas. Therefore, it is commonly seen that microwaves become home to ants very often.
You must be confused how ants survive for so long even after you run the microwave on them. Don’t worry. Hopefully, the explanations below will make some sense to you.
How do ants survive in a microwave?
It must be baffling at first wondering how ants survive in a microwave at the same temperature where foods boil or burn. Well, the logic behind that can be simply two-folded. The first factor is the mechanism of the microwave, and the second factor is the size of ants.
Coming to the mechanisms, we know that microwaves do not work like other conventional heating systems. Microwaves heat foods by producing electromagnetic waves at a frequency of 2.45 GHz into the food cavity, and these waves excite the water molecules of the food that make them vibrate and produce heat. It means the appliance itself does not become hot or produce heat like a stove.
Since ants have a very negligible level of water in their body, they are hardly affected by the waves. Therefore, they mostly remain safe and unharmed in a microwave.
Coming to the size of ants, it plays a very important role as well. Due to their small size, ants have high body temperature tolerance, which means they can easily lose the heat they gained from the wave energy into the air surrounding them.
Also, ants can easily position themselves between the waves due to their size, making themselves immune to any heating danger.
Hence, once ants take place in your microwave, it becomes a never-ending cycle.
How to get rid of ants in a microwave?
Even though it is hard, it is not impossible to keep your microwave ants free. You just need to follow these simple steps.
- Unplug the microwave and lift it to clean the place.
- Remove and clean all the food residues near and in the microwave with a damp rag.
- Regularly spray water-vinegar solution to keep ants away.
So, even though ants can challenge your patience, they are not going to stay forever.
