>This isn't really ferret related, but I remembered there being a >discussion a while back on how to get rid of ants without using >poison. I volunteer at a wildlife rehab, and we suddenly have an ant >invasion in one of the raccoon enclosures. Spray is obviously out of >The question Hi ~ I'm an herbalist and I find that 2 things can help. First if you can get to your herb store, get some crushed pennyroyal (no botanical name needed). Get a few ounces of their crushed pennyroyal and sprinkle on counter or wherever ants are. Concentrate on areas where the tracks go in and come out. It's harmless to other animals and ants hate the smell. Pennyroyal is a lovely matt-herb. It covers walkways in England even today. It can be bought at most plant stores in the spring and spreads quite rapidly, so don't buy a lot. Still if the problem persists it will be good to grow your own. Secondly I made up a spray to use against the big black bugs that inhabit Maryland's eastern shore: take a spraybottle when it is empty and wash it out. Add halfway full of water and 1/4th way of witch hazel (this adds longevity to your spray). Add 10 drops of tincture of thyme, oregano, and pennyroyal (ants and flies hate aromatic herbs). Tinctures are already made up remedies available at good herb shops or health food stores. I like Nature's Herb. Spray countertops each night. This will not hurt other animals if you need to spray a corner of the floor either. Good luck! Warmly ~ Mary L. Conley, Herbalist-N.D. [Posted in FML 5600]