Unit 83 Ants, Ants, Everywhere!

G : Hello, Mrs. Wilson.

How are you? W: I'm worried, Brianna.

Thousands of ants are all over my patio! G : That's quite a problem.

W: What's worse is that my daughter's birthday party is in a few days and I wanted to have it on the patio.

G : Why don't you call an exterminator?

W: I would, but I don't want all those hazardous chemicals around my children.

It's harmful and unhealthy. I also don't want dangerous substances to seep into the garden. G : I usually don't have problems with ants, and I don't use any chemicals.

W: What's your secret?

G : Well, ants are difficult to control, so I planted a lot of mint plants near my deck.

I also use cinnamon and cayenne pepper. I just sprinkle them around the places I don't want ants. Some people have tried it and said it worked. Others said that they needed to try something else. W: I think it's worth a try.

I would rather use cinnamon and mint around my patio than some hazardous chemicals. Besides, I don't mind having the ants in the yard. I simply don't want them coming to the birthday party. Would you mind helping me? G : It would be a pleasure.

I have a lot of cinnamon at home and I can run to the store to get the plants for you. W: Thank you, Brianna.

You're such a thoughtful person.