Radiator Bugs and a question for Turtle et al

dancorn · Jun 29, 2013

Have done quite a search on line for an effective way to clean bugs out of a radiator and mostly found advice on removing and cleaning which is kinda hard to do while parked at the J. I wondered if there is a chemical that will dissolve the critters without removing it. I am currently spraying with low pressure at hand held car washes and that helps but is not totally cleaning.

Now for the Turtle and others question. Last week in Laredo I noticed the front of my hood and the underside was covered with ants that were lunching on the splattered remains of suicidal bugs. So here is the strangest question I have ever posted. If I sprayed sugar water on my radiator and a little on the ground would it attract ants that would eat the bugs imbedded in the radiator?

Don't laugh, I am serious. Also a little goofy from driving too many days and nights.

davekc · Jun 29, 2013

When you then start the van and it gets hot, you would then have sweet cooked ants? Maybe a new Chinese delicacy? Turtle I am sure can give a break down of grilled ants.
If just wanting to get rid of bugs, spray liberally with Windex or 50/50 water and ammonia. Let it sit for 20 minutes and rinse off. Bugs will fall right off.

purgoose10 · Jun 30, 2013

Give this a try. Bug Off : :: Majestic Solutions Inc :: Specialty Appearance Products for the Automotive Industry

Moot · Jun 30, 2013

I attach ¼" galvanized hardware cloth using cable ties, to the backside of the grill. This protects the radiator fins from large bugs, rocks and other debris. I still have to back flush the radiator, this is just extra protection.

guido4475 · Jun 30, 2013

Moot said:
I attach ¼" galvanized hardware cloth using cable ties, to the backside of the grill. This protects the radiator fins from large bugs, rocks and other debris. I still have to back flush the radiator, this is just extra protection.

Great idea, and it looks nice as well.

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Turtle · Jun 30, 2013

dancorn said:
Have done quite a search on line for an effective way to clean bugs out of a radiator and mostly found advice on removing and cleaning which is kinda hard to do while parked at the J. I wondered if there is a chemical that will dissolve the critters without removing it. I am currently spraying with low pressure at hand held car washes and that helps but is not totally cleaning.

The responses about cleaning dead bugs out of a radiator grill, or preventing from getting in there in the first place, are all good ones.

But I gotta tell you, after reading that first paragraph, my first thought was, "Why not keep the radiator cap on the radiator so that the bugs won't get inside the radiator in the first place?" Second thought, "I would have thought the high temps and the chemistry of the engine coolant would have killed off most of the bugs in there."

A wacka wacka.

Now for the Turtle and others question. Last week in Laredo I noticed the front of my hood and the underside was covered with ants that were lunching on the splattered remains of suicidal bugs. So here is the strangest question I have ever posted. If I sprayed sugar water on my radiator and a little on the ground would it attract ants that would eat the bugs imbedded in the radiator?

Ants will get most of their energy from sweet foods, sugars or the honeydew secreted from other insects, and usually will get protein by eating other insects. If you sugar-water the radiator, you'll give the ants a one-stop buffet for all their energy and protein needs.

I'm not sure I'd to that in Laredo or anywhere down south where the ants you are feeding are Fire Ants. I've had an experience with Fire Ants, and rather than bait the area around the truck, or the truck itself with sugar and protein, I'm more likely to saturate the surrounding area and the tires with Raid.