Ants are a bit like terrorists. They work in teams but often can’t be seen and you have to be in a state of constant vigilance to stop them attacking.
I am becoming very ‘ant aware’ after 7 days in Cyprus. But it’s a constant battle involving sweeping and wiping up any crumbs or particles of food which may drop (hello cleaning therapy – thought I was done with you), then wiping every jar after use, sealing cereal boxes with clips, frequent washing up, putting packets of sugar and flour, even when unopened, into Tupperware boxes. Tupperware is back in fashion here – it’s fantastically ant proof.
The major has been calling my anti-ant tactics ‘extreme’ at best and at worse ‘paranoia’. Of course he is so wrong, if only he knew the awful consequences of an ant attack on our food cupboards. Ant-battle-weary as I am, I vividly remember the black butter I discovered after a night raid by ants in South Africa. But he was very upset that the runny honey, which is sealed inside a Tupperware for extra precaution – because I know they can smell it from across the road – had gone solid in the fridge and was no longer pouring onto yoghurt and muesli. “Well, spread it instead”, I suggested. Luckily we found a solution and now the honey and various other ‘ant vulnerable’ products are safely sealed in the microwave.
The ants are definitely on the move though. I’ve spotted several very large scouts at various points around the terrace/garden. We can’t really call it a garden as there’s no grass. I’ve also seen a whole train of them streaming back and forwards over the white painted wall into the garden next door – obviously marshalling troops for an imminent attack. But I’ll be ready for them. Have bought 2 cans of Raid spray… and there is a zero tolerance policy on any ant appearing in my kitchen. So ants beware.