Bugs in the gap

[Unger]

We have a 1kW AM with a bug problem.  Insects crawl into the spark gap at the antenna base and fry themselves.  With more power this might not be an issue but our little BE AM-1 throws a VSWR fault and blinks the power output a few times.  If the bug is large enough it will knock us off the air until the dead bug is removed.  Does anyone have any ideas for detering them?  I do spray insecticide around the base but is washes away and/or dries up quite quickly.

Thanks for the help.

[LibertyNT]

I think it would be amusing to put a bug zapper near the base, hear the bugs get zapped to the beat of whatever is playing 

Id try putting a powder/liquid combo around the base, and maybe a few of those bug traps.

Another idea could be to put a non conductible screen mesh around the base to prevent the bugs from getting in.

[Fieldtech1]

Ive seen gel and paste commercial pesticides that are rain resistant. If you have a nearby co-op or ag store i'd check there.

[boiseengineer]

WBAP had a blower aimed at the gap.

[frankberry]

You may be able to wrap the gap in a non-metalic window screen material to keep the bugs away from the gap.

[Unger]

You may be able to wrap the gap in a non-metalic window screen material to keep the bugs away from the gap.

Do you think I would have an issue during heavy rain with arcing?  Maybe I could try and see.  i imagine i would have to remove before snow season when snow or ice could collect.  That would be do-able.

[spacetrucker]

How about increasing the gap slightly?

[ChiefEngineer]

     I've not seen such thing. I have seen weeds and trees grow into the gap but have never seen a continuing problem with bugs. In many years with multiple stations, many including newer solid state transmitters this seems unique. I know the SX series had a tendency to blow output transistors on a whim. What kid of bugs I must ask?

     Since this is in the midwest I might ask if Dennis is dumping bugs in the gap to see if you can find the problem?  Are you finding residue or some indication bugs are the cause?  Even if it were zapped I doubt enough moisture is there to have any residual problem unles this is an entire anthill or thousands of hornets.

[boiseengineer]

For some reason knats are attracted to tower bases.
In the fall we get flying ants all over the tower. They're looking for a high launching point.
They also end up in the building when launching from the roof.

[ChiefEngineer]

Do knats even in clouds cause the arcover to take place? Does a single arc keep the transmitter off?  I didn't see a response from the poster but after the post my reference to Dennis Rund may be old as Dennis retired from WFIN last year. Their AM stations are WFIN Findlay Ohio and WCSI Columbus Indiana.  I can't say that in Indiana I have ever had a bug problem, other than wasps in the feedhorn.