I've used peppermint essential oil as an ant repellent before, and it worked well. Also against ants, I've heard that ground cloves are a great repellent sprinkled around their "tunnel" entrances, as are dried penny royal/peppermint/spearmint leaves, cucumber ends, or eucalyptus essential oil. I've also been told that ants will retreat from lines of talcum powder or chalk or cayenne pepper. (I don't have any ants, so I haven't had an opportunity to put any of these theories to the test!) Hope that helps! - Ela Ela Heyn Harborside Mail Stop 3024 201-860-3336 [log in to unmask] [Posted in FML issue 3043]