Wage War Against Ants and Win

We often mistake a colony of ants for an army. I, myself, have often assumed that they are thus named as I have watched them invade my home, pillaging and plundering the tiniest of morsels within their reach. Conquering such an army is a daunting task. Do not underestimate the enemy for they are very resourceful and cunning.

I have been engaged in skirmishes with ant colonies across many of these United States and have found a formidable foe. Years of study and strategizing have resulted in many seasons of victory. Each spring when the ant colonies awake and begin to move again, I fortify my defenses and stand ready, confident that I will overcome once again.

Ants enter houses in search of food, warmth and shelter. Understanding their motive and design should make it easy to rid our homes of these itty, bitty pests. Unfortunately, they continue to thrive and torment every summer season.

Ants eat small quantities of food. Ants are especially attracted to sweet or greasy foods. A crumb of a cookie, a splash of soda, the residue of a fallen French fry; all can appeal to the taste and appetite of the common household ant. Very small portions are perfect for a family of ants. The crumbs of a sandwich, inadvertently swept under the stove, is a private and quiet banquet room set for our little ant neighbors.

When ants find food, they establish a trail that leads back to their nest outside. Apparently, the common household ant is a social creature of extreme compassion. They are not selfish but will go to extremes to share the wealth with all who live in their community. Ants live in colonies and have a communication system cast more effectively than the Internet.

To stop ants from entering your home, follow the ant trail to their point of entry. Here you will establish the frontline in your war. Seal the point of entry. In most cases, caulk can be used as a barricade against ants.

Once the ant entry is sealed, destroy every ant you find. This includes locating the ant nest outside by following the path away from the entry. If possible, pour boiling water into the ant nest entrances. This should be repeated many times. Stir the soil between each dousing. Ants are resilient little creatures and have instinctual survival skills.

Boric acid can also be used directly on an ant nest. Boric acid is usually sold as roach powder or spray. Spray the entry to the ant nest with roach spray.

Organic ant repellants may be effective and should be considered when children or pets live in the home. Bay leaves, cream of tartar, borax, or oil of cloves may deter ants from your home when strategically placed across their path.

Consider placing whole bay leaves in any dry goods that ants have discovered in your home. This includes flour and sugar. Bay leaves need to be replaced every month.

Ants do not like mint. If possible, consider planting mint near the foundation of your home. Caution needs to be taken, as mints are also invasive. The spread of mint is easier to control however than the spread of ant colonies. While survival and fortitude are characteristics of mint, the ant has the ability to strategize and overcome its most mammoth enemy.

Eradication is impossible. Although many have tried and found momentary success, we can never let our guard down. The ant will survive, regroup, reinforce and return each year to attack your home. Prepare yourselves and establish your defense before they arrive!

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