KATHY'S HOME & GARDEN TIPS - SUMMERTIME CAN BE BUG TIME
During the summer many of our buggy friends just love to come in and take up residence in our homes. They love to come in whether it's dry or wet out. When it's dry out they're looking for water and food. A very rainy period will flood them out. This is especially true with ants.
Try to eliminate any water or condensation around the house. Don't leave water in houseplant trays and fix water leaks. Only have pet food out at feeding time. Keep all food in airtight containers. Caulk around windows and utility lines coming into the home. Keep vegetation at least a foot away from the house. Don't mulch near the building, ants love to nest in it.
The best solution is ant bait traps. Place them along the wall in places where you have seen them before. The ants will take this substance back to the colony. These few steps will hopefully keep your house ant free.
I've seen advertised the new bug repellant that you spray around the perimeter of the house, creating a barrier that bugs won't cross. I have not tried this yet so I can't comment. If anyone has had success with these products, let me know.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
