Jeri (and FML), You might try the herb rue. I have been planting rue in my gardens for years to keep ants away, and the dried herb works well too. You can obtain it from wiccan or new age stores, apothecaries, herbalists, and online at www.azuregreen.com (look for herbs). I've never used it near domesticated animals, and am not aware of any contra-indications or toxicities (although large doses can be abortifacient in humans, so I wouldn't use it near pregnant jills), but if someone has any further knowlege on this, please let me know. Barring that, sprinkling it round the cage couldn't hurt. Also, follow the ants and try to ascertain where they gain entry, and sprinkle the rue there, as well as on doorsills and anywhere you might think they could get in. Just my $0.02, Rhyakat [Posted in FML issue 3357]