Merrie Boerner on tue 3 dec 02
About one month ago, I solicited ideas for ridding my wood stack of fire ant
infestation. So many people replied that the Mayor had to call an end to it
! Thanks to so many creative ideas, we fired with wood without one bite.
This is what I did.....
At dusk, one week before the firing date, I carefully approached the 6
fire ant mounds that surrounded the 2 cords of split, stacked, dried oak,
....bearing gifts of dry vodka martinis and Ritz crackers.
In a very loud voice, I explained that this land and the wood in the
stack belongs to ME, and that they had 24 hours to move out ! I got the
feeling that they wanted to argue that possession was 9/10 of the law, so I
explained that they probably don't want to mess with a Mississippi lawyer
right now because they are testy about Tort reform, and they might pack a
nasty bite.
" Furthermore...." I yelled into each mound, " If you don't MOVE, several
potters from Clayart have given suggestions on how to KILL you !"
The next morning, the crackers were gone, and several ants were swimming
in the vodka......but, thousands of ants still staked claim on my wood. "
OKAY......I'm giving you a second chance." I yelled into the wood stack. "If
you don't move, then perhaps you would like to HELP with the firing !" (this
approach usually clears my kitchen) "At MY firings, we take no slackers, I'M
in charge, and we have lots to eat, drink, and good conversation....can you
deal with it ? I'm going over here now to grind shelves, so if you are in,
come and help !" Only lizards showed up.
The NEXT morning, I filled a garden sprayer with diluted dishwashing
liquid and gave them their last ultimatum. "I'm spraying the wood down with
this peaceful, biodegradable solution......If you don't leave, I'm going to
bring out the weapons of mass destruction !"......... I think I heard
laughter !
With only 5 days left to solve the ant dilemma, I declared war. With my
respirator on, and carrying deadly Walmart fire ant poison pellets in an
orange bag......I sprinkled lightly around the entire wood pile......"TAKE
THAT !"
Two days later, after a torrential rain, the ants had moved. I don't
think I killed many, because the mounds were larger than ever....but, 10
feet away.
The wood-firing was wonderful without want-a-be wood fire ants.
This morning I offered the new ant mounds gifts of clay and ashes. "So,
if you want to cut and stack this small pine tree, make some pots, and ash
glaze, and participate in the next firing, get busy ! OTHERWISE, stay out of
my space !"
We will see.......
Merrie in Mississippi
Alistair Gillies on wed 4 dec 02
Well done,
I think that you have summed up all of the angst surrounding your first
post!
Good luck with the next firing,
Alistair Gillies
Shropshire, England.
getting a bit chilly in a moderate island sort of way.
m markey on mon 9 dec 02
Hi Merrie!
I'm still giggling at your efforts--good writing!
Good work! You got the reward, of not only having evicted your ant
"tenants," but once you dig up the mounds, you'll probably find the dirt to
be fine enough to spread around your bushes and trees. I don't suggest using
the dirt in a vegetable garden, because of the poison you applied to the
mounds.
Best wishes!
Mohabee NakedClay@hotmail.com
===================================================
From: Merrie Boerner
About one month ago, I solicited ideas for ridding my wood stack of fire ant
infestation. So many people replied that the Mayor had to call an end to it
! Thanks to so many creative ideas, we fired with wood without one bite.
This is what I did.....
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