I've been hearing a lot about it the ant invasion of 2014. Apparently, there are quite a few humans complaining that the ants have taken over their homes. I think it's especially prevalent where we live, which happens to currently be in a drought. Ants fascinate me. They are social insects, which means they have families, care for their young, and live in large communities. They are also, by observation, the most industrious, innovative critters I have ever seen. Ants carry out strategies for food gathering, and display great teamwork. I'm thrilled to learn that ants can be redirected with natural remedies like essential oils and spices. I live as best I can in harmony with all beings. That said, most folks have been reaching for the Raid for may years, trying to kill all the pesky critters that get in the way of their peaceful living spaces. I stopped using pesticides long ago, and although it may seem obvious, I'm about to tell you why.
Pesticides don't just kill insects. They kill people. Sometimes it’s a slow, painful death like cancer; or it can be fast, like an immediate respiratory paralysis, coma, or heart attack. I have a young child. Even if I didn't give a damn about myself, there's my beautiful tiny human to love and protect.
Pesticides deplete and damage our precious soil, get into our food supply, and slowly kill us some more. This can lead to the death of our planet. Earth is already dying, so let's at least treat Her well while we are still here. I just learned that our soils have had a 76% decrease of trace minerals in 51 years, all due to pesticide use (www.havahart.com).
I love insects and all other living beings. I want us all to be safe and healthy, living harmoniously with Mother Nature.
Humans are not the only ones who live here. People are acting like we own the place, but really, the ants were here first. They have been around for over 100 million years. We invaded their home, not the other way around. I can come up with plenty of other instances where human beings took it upon themselves to decide where everyone lives. Just think of our sad, hungry mountain lions, coyotes, and bears. How about possums, raccoons, rats, and mice? Is there any need to mention the many tribes of Native peoples who were living in peace before the new arrivals got greedy and just invaded their space? Anyway, I'm sure you get my point.
So, here's the good news. Are you ready for it? There are plenty of ways we can all live together in peace. Here are just a few to get you started:
1) Eat only plant based food. Yes, that's right, I'm talking Vegan with a capital "V". I plan to write more of my journey soon, as I'm newly vegan and have so much to share! By only plant-based foods, I mean no animal anything. Which brings me to my next point.
2) Buy cruelty free, which means the company pledges that there has been no testing or any harm done to animals. Many companies have either stopped testing on animals or have always had humane practices. We can choose our hair and skins care products, clothing, shoes, etc. wisely, looking for labels with a running bunny or a cruelty free statement. Of course, I'm also referring to anything made of leather, wool, lanolin, or gelatin. These all come from animals, so please buy cotton, bamboo, or any acrylic material.
3) So, what about the ants? How does one not kill them? They are everywhere. And when they are crawling on your baby in the middle of the night, what other solution do you have but to squish them all? Well, there is hope. It starts with prevention. There are some easy and compassionate ways that are readily available in your kitchen cabinet, or at your local health food store. In searching for natural remedies that didn't kill the ants, I found these:
*peppermint oil or leaves
*clove oil
*cinnamon
*cayenne pepper or paprika
*salt
*citrus (Note: Please don’t spray directly on the ants or they will die)
*coffee grounds
*cream of tartar
*garlic cloves
http//www.peta.org/living/humane-home/tips-humane-nontoxic-ant-control/
Just sprinkle or spray any of this stuff, and the ants will go marching on. Most of these remedies smell yummy, too. That’s a definite bonus. Or, you could just decide to coexist, like I have done with some of my spider and silver fish friends. The others can go live in the weeds, via my hand (yes, I am ok with picking them up), a jar, or paper towel transport. I am one of those people who delights in the scurry of a possum with her wee babes, and giggle at the swish of an adorable skunk’s tail. One of my first memories was that of feeding the ants some breadcrumbs on their giant anthill that I could barely reach. I lived in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and our ants were huge. Perhaps I am a bit biased. I had a pet tarantula named Alma, for goodness sake. I can assert, however, that I am not alone when it comes to love. We all have the capacity for loving kindness toward each other, and we don’t need to leave out our nonhuman companions. So, make an insect your friend today. Compassion rules.
