Big black ants have moved in. When I lived on my own, I used to poison them, they were so big and intimidating to me. Bill convinced me they are harmless. Sometimes when I wake up night, I’m startled to see how many of them are silently taking midnight strolls on the ceilings and walls, like watch-men on duty, except Bill says they’re all female ants, so I should say, watch-women.
Bill’s used to them. He says it’s a normal occurence in Wisconsin to have big black ants in your home and that they have taken up residence in his home every summer for as long as he can remember. So, I just try to live in harmony with them and enjoy their company while it lasts. I’ve found pretending that I live in Mexico helps.
Is what Bill says true? Do you have black ants in your house too?
ClutterHeart 
Well, they are somewhat common, but I would not say they are in every house. My advice: don’t sleep with your mouth open!
LikeLike
They are carpenter ants which are destructive. We had deck support posts that were weakened by carpenter ants. Search the web for info on their habits and natural prevention tactics. You don’t have to resort to chemicals. I’ve controlled ants by spraying with 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water. Also, baking soda is supposed to repel them.
LikeLike
IF you have an opening in your house then you will likely have ants and other creatures! Uggh! I don’t use poison because I have 2 cats and 2 dogs. But I’m not against killing them when they invade my inside space! I wonder if that 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water would work for something eating my planters outside?!
LikeLike
Depending on the species, some black ants also eat other insects (that you may find even less appealing than the ants themselves). To find out more about what kind they might be and info, go here. There are about 10 different species in WI.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/m1166.html
LikeLike
Last summer Robert noticed sawdust and a few large black ants under the window in our garage. We were worried about the insects multiplying and/or moving into our home so we called an exterminator. He identified the ants as carpenter ants and said they can do lots of damage. He treated the garage inside and out, and advised us to call him back in a week if we noticed any more sawdust or insects. But that one treatment was enough–and well worth the peace of mind knowing the ants are gone.
LikeLike
This is bad news I fear. I will have to break it to the ‘lords’ if the vinegar does not take effect soon.
LikeLike
We found what they were eating: peppermint candy canes that were left on the top of the refridgerator.
LikeLike
Now they’re into our minty floss and speariment toothpaste. They like minty flavors!
LikeLike