When Ants Come Marching In - Natural Remedies for Ants

Ants may be amazing creatures in their own right, but when they begin to invade the home these pesky insects quickly lose their appeal. Because they are attracted to both sweets and grease, the kitchen is typically their haven, as they carry food back to the nest leaving a trail for other ants to follow.  Getting rid of them often involves nasty chemicals - but there are some natural remedies you can use that won't pose a risk of contaminating your food or endangering small children and pets.

• Cornmeal - Believe it or not, ants love cornmeal. The good news is they can't digest it and die after consuming it. Sprinkle cornmeal in the corners of shelves or any area where ants are a problem. They will happily carry it back to the nest where it will kill even more ants.
• Cream of Wheat - Similar to cornmeal, Cream of Wheat seems like a tasty treat for ants, fortunately for you, they can't digest this either. Once ingested both cornmeal and Cream of Wheat swell in the ant's body and kill the ant.

Prevention

• Wash down counters with a bleach and water solution.
• Mop down floors every night with bleach and water.
• Rinse glasses - especially those from juice or other sweet beverages.
• Throw away all candy and freeze pop wrappers.
• Store food in airtight containers - but beware! Ants can chew through plastic bags. Opt for food storage containers or glass jars instead.

                                   Until Next Time . . . HAPPY GARDENING!

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