We've had an inordinate amount of rain in our area. Every day of the week for many weeks rain has either been forecast or it is raining. Today was beautiful out. But aside from taking pictures, I spent it spraying for ants. The ants have been forced from below the ground because of the saturated soils and are seeking any higher place to lay eggs and nest. They are under every Plant saucer I have (which are many since I grow mostly in containers). Pick up a pot and there are hundreds of them scurrying around carrying their ant eggs trying to escape exposure. They have invaded bags of top soil, potting mix and I saw a dead baby bird this morning just crawling with them. Every surface seems to have ants scrounging around on it, including daylilies. They fall into your hair when you are deadheading the roses, get into your shoes, and if you aren't careful you could literally have ants in your pants. Thank goodness these are just the small "sugar" ants and not the Fire Ants or Carpenter Ants. BUT It is a lesson reinforced that I leaned long ago. Never put bark mulch up close to the foundation of your house or you will draw ants into the house. This year in particular that would be one heck of an invasion.......Maryl
