Get rid of ants without harmful pesticides.

Although it may be tempting to think the world would be a better place without these pesky critters, it's important to keep in mind that ants play an important part in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Ants help control numerous insect populations. They have been called "the foremost predators" and are superb scavengers. Because many ants build their nests in soil, they play an important part in keeping outdoor soils healthy. Ants, along with termites, "turn more of the soil than earthworms."

Despite the beneficial role ants play outdoors, ants become pests when they enter homes in search of food, water, and shelter.  If ants do invade your house, don't turn to toxic sprays and dusts. Their use can make ant problems worse by causing colonies that reproduce by budding to split up into multiple colonies. Most pesticide applications are not directed at the nest, and because in some species only 5 percent of a colony's workers are out foraging at any one time, they can leave 95 percent of the colony intact.

Instead, make it a habit of keeping kitchens and other rooms as free of food as possible. Wipe all kitchen surfaces with soap and water to keep free of grease and spills. If there are particular spots where ants seem to always return, try this simple remedy: In a bowl, mix one cup borax, one cup sugar, and three cups water. Place a loose wad of toilet paper into four screw-top jars, the shallower the better, though baby food jars would be fine. Pour the mixture into the jars until it is about one inch from the top. Screw the lids on the jars, and with a hammer and nail, make four to eight holes in the lid. Place the jars in areas where you have ants, and watch them line up in rows to march in. Keep away from children, the mixture is not safe to eat.

The price of all these ant traps? Virtually nothing as you probably have everything you need already.