Winter gate problems

Lately I’ve noticed an increase in gate control boards with slug damage and ants nests. It must be the season or perhaps the weather. If you notice ants in your control box, try getting them out first with a blower before spraying a barrier spray around the enclosure. If you spray them on the circuit board it could cause damage or problems as the dead soaked ants are more conductive. Ants sometimes hide under components such as relays and socketed IC’s. I’ve had to remove components with my desoldering set to clean out ants. I think a spray with pcb lacquer or conformal coating designed for circuit boards might help with new systems, but check with the manufacturer if this is ok and remember to mask switches, dip switches and relays etc as well as connectors or the insulated coating will cause problems also.