5 replies to this topic

[wjt]

I went to service one of my candy machines and found ants!!!!! They were everywhere and I had to get rid of all my candy!!!! Has anyone had this problem and founfd a easy answer. I was going to look around for some kind of ant/bug tape and put it around my pole. I was also thinking about just spraying the base of the machine with no-scent bug/ant spray. Help................ WJT

[caserri]

WJT,

There are a few things you can do to combat ants.

1. Wide double sided tape wrapped around the top of the pole where it meets the machine. (My preferred method)
2. Petroleum jelly smeared around the top of the pole where it meets the machine. This method can be a bit messy in warmer climates.
3. Some have reported positive results with the placement of fresh bay leaves in the coin box.
4. Some sort of spray aroud the base. I do not prefer this method. Something about bug spray and edibles but I know other operators do this with good results.

Whatever you try, Also make sure that your machine is not in contact with anything that will create a bridge that will allow the ants to bypass the barrier you employ.

Steve

[wjt]

WJT,

There are a few things you can do to combat ants.

1. Wide double sided tape wrapped around the top of the pole where it meets the machine. (My preferred method)
2. Petroleum jelly smeared around the top of the pole where it meets the machine. This method can be a bit messy in warmer climates.
3. Some have reported positive results with the placement of fresh bay leaves in the coin box.
4. Some sort of spray aroud the base. I do not prefer this method. Something about bug spray and edibles but I know other operators do this with good results.

Whatever you try, Also make sure that your machine is not in contact with anything that will create a bridge that will allow the ants to bypass the barrier you employ.

Steve

Thanxs for the quick reply to my problem. I think I will try the double sided tape. That will be a option on all of my machines. I don't want to lost anymore money (candy). WJT

[trackudown]

I had the same problem and I took the advice I got from someone here and used the Petroliem Jelly. Stuff is awesome. Those ants have left a scent trail for other ants now, I would recommend if the business will let you and that is put a out a little tiny ant bait poison feeder for ants. They are about the size of a half dollar or so and they will take the poison back to the queen and other ants. The location I had was bad, it was actually in my own office where I am employed so I got a lot of grief over it. The ants had been around before the candy machine, but once it arrived it was dinner time. The Vaso. be sure you put an equal band inside the tube as well if you have the tri vends like I have. I missed it the first time around and they got back in from inside the tube up. I went back within a week to all locations and put a 2 in wide band at the top of the pole, on both the inside and outside. It has been 10 months now and not one bug have I found in my machines. I have some eeeehhhh locations where bugs are hanging around the store but they hate that Jelly. Good thing is no pestacides around the candy. Now if someone could go read my post and help me with my capsule problem I would really appreciate it a lot. Thanks.

[bulkvending.blogspot.com]

I agree and have found the Vaseline Petroleum Jelly to work great by smearing it around the top of the pole where it meets the machine.
Some people look at you a bit funny if they see you doing this so I usually do it out on the lot before bringing the machine in. I would do this on every vending machine just as a precaution.

[xsquid]

Good point about the inside of the tube for tri-vends..I use double-sided tape down here because it gets really really hot and humid in the summer. Thanks to this forum and Caserri for the great tips!