Whats the best ant repelant... seem to get these buggers every Summer. (don't want to use Raid)

I would say that the ants are really after the aphids on your plants-- which they "herd" and "milk" for the sweet juice they produce (just like tiny herds of cows, believe it or not) so if you get rid of the aphids, the ants will look elsewhere. Put a teaspoon of cayenne pepper and some water in a spray bottle and give your plants a good spray every day, especially on the undersides and stems, where the aphids live. That should do the trick, and it won't harm the plants, the evironment, or you. If you are growing edibles in those boxes, just wash off the herbage in water before using, to avoid a peppery surprise.

If you actually have an anthill in your box, you really do have to resort to murder by pouring a small bit of boiling water right in the tunnel opening. Not too much or you will cook your plants. Follow it up with applications of a soapy water spray.

Messy Martha Stewart? Love your genius, Hatch!

never thought of cayenne. had ants on the 15th floor too. would love to build a garden - for the first time in my life - since i wanted to be a farmer at 6.

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