Computers & Networking

[nerd12]

I think that i have ants in my laptop because there are always some crawling on my screeen and there are always crawling on my key bored... i havent seen that many but ive seen quite a few... i think that they might be living in my laptop...
my laptop still works but i think that if i dont find a solution soon that it would only get worse!!
can i take my laptop to best buy to get the ants taken out...??

[NoNoBadDog]

You have somthing inside your laptop allowing them to live...something they can feed on.  Either crumbs, or perhaps something spilled.  You need to have your computer professionally cleaned.  It would require at least a partial disassembly of your laptop, a thourough cleaning, and then you'll have to change your habits about what you do around your computer so that you don't give them a reason to move back in.

[nerd12]

well im 14 and me and my older brother share the laptop so yeahh...
and if i take my computer to Best Buy would they clean out my laptop for me??

[deusexmachina Valued Contributor]

[xl]

Some ideas....

• vacuum... be careful, high powered vacuums will rip the keys off the keyboard!
• ant traps in your work area... need the toxin to be taken back to the hive
• spray your work area for instant results (don't spray the laptop, chemical will damage the chassis, screen, and electronics).

[deusexmachina Valued Contributor]

On a side note, Geek Squad will not work on any computers that are 'infested'... so chances are they will not be able to help you out.

[Area51Kev Regular Contributor]

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xl wrote:

Some ideas....

• vacuum... be careful, high powered vacuums will rip the keys off the keyboard!
• ant traps in your work area... need the toxin to be taken back to the hive
• spray your work area for instant results (don't spray the laptop, chemical will damage the chassis, screen, and electronics).

---

Generally good ideas as usual xl, except what sort of "work area" do you believe a 14 year old has? We have a 10 year old and a 16 year old, and I have to talk to them often about crumbs in their keyboards.  

[xl]

14yrs should be mature enough to aware of ant toxins and traps.

With regards to "desktop dining", it's a problem for all ages (including seniors).  The best defence would be a keyboard membrane.  Sadly it does not work for ants.

[Area51Kev Regular Contributor]

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xl wrote:

Sadly it does not work for ants.

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I suspect the only remedy for this situation (that is fairly sure to work) is deusexmachina's nuclear option noted above...lol.  

[nerd12]

im actually very clean and i take care of my computer. but my 16 year old brother is the one who is very messy...
i cleaned my computer yesterday by using some wipes to clean some parts and im making my brother keep the computer in the case that i baught wen he isnt using it. and so far i havent seen any ants. 
usually they would already be crawling on the screen but i think i fixed the  problem
THANX FOR ALL THE HELP <3