Although we are receiving one lasts bout of snow today,  I saw my first ant in my home which has me thinking about the joys of spring and summer. So, how do you keep ants outside your home?

Ant invasions (ok I had one) frequently occur when the weather changes, sending the critters in search of food, shelter and water. Ants often build their nests next to or under buildings. To keep ants from invading your space, try some of the following: Caulk cracks around the foundation and in the kitchen with silicone sealant; store sweet foods in clean, tightly closed, ant-proof containers; prevent tree branches from touching your house allowing ants to crawl into it; repair faucets and pipes, as water attracts thirsty ants; rinse recyclables; and keep garbage outside.

If the ant army is inside, sprinkle red pepper where floors and counters meet the wall. I also have used powered soap on the floor. They carry the grains back to their nest. When it gets wet, pow, it destroys their home. You can also strew the following natural ant repellents in the infested areas: catnip, mint, camphor, strips of cucumber peel, tansy, sweet fern, rue or crushed egg shells.

I’ll discuss other pest repellents as we move into spring and summer,