Ants in My Plants

 Recently while watering plants in my bathroom, I discovered that I have active ant hills living within my flower pots within my house.  I am not sure what to do about this.  The plants harboring these insects are in my bathtub.  My first thought is to take the plants outside, repot, and bring the plants in with fresh, non-ant dirt.  I am not sure that I could get all the ants that way.  I also picture the ants crawling all over me while I make the attempt. Eww.

I got some of those ant trap things.  But the ants seem to know that these are dangerous and avoid them. Smart ants. I am reluctant to spray toxic substances to try to kill the ants because they are in my bathroom next to my bedroom.  If the toxins can kill ants, they can't be good for me.

I have concluded that what I really need is a nice armadillo.  These invasive critters are increasingly found in Missouri.  I haven't seen any in my neighborhood. But, truth is I seem to have everything else, rabbits, deer, squirrels, and raccoons and possums to name a few critters.  Now, all I need to do is entice an armadillo to make its home in my bathroom for a while, just until the ants are gone, then I can send it on its way.

Squirrels, Be Gone!

 Have you ever tasted squirrel?  I have.  Tough and chewy, like eating erasers.  My brothers occasionally shot squirrels when I was growing up on the farm.  I only remember once that we skinned and Mom cooked them and we tried squirrel  Once was enough. Squirrels aren't worth the effort.

As you can probably tell I have never been a squirrel fan.  I think the best use of squirrels is as food for hawks.  I almost put a non-squirrel proof bird feeder up in the middle of my yard with no trees nearby for cover.  The plan was, it could be a squirrel/ hawk feeder.  But, I never got around to it.  It probably would not have worked anyway.

On my first free day I invited a pest control company over to assess my squirrel situation.  I would have sworn there were squirrels in the attic. The guy said, not.  They are most definitely in the soffit.  The company is under contract to trap the squirrels and block them out. It is about time.  I understand they will be making babies in a few short months.

I also have an electrical problem which, praise God, is not related to squirrels.  So, now I also need an electrician.  But, Monday, today, the squirrel traps arrive. I wonder how awful it might be to hear the trapped squirrels right outside my bedroom window?  I hope that it is not bad.  I hope that they are quiet, these doomed squirrels.  I find I really don't care much for these rats with tail feathers.  I guess that I am hard hearted.  After all, I have tasted squirrel meat.

And by the way, I have discovered that my blackberry bushes are not only being eaten by rabbits, they are also being consumed by deer. Seriously, folks, the wildlife around here is giving me no end of trouble.