Yes, you read right -- I said " busy ants" not "busy moms" -- but actually for you all too!

I just wanted to share an experience I had earlier in the summer, in case it helps anyone.  I woke up to a conga line of ants in my family room. I had seen a couple the day before -- but all of the sudden -- INFESTATION!

I thought, "Uh-oh' better call the exterminator." But it was the weekend and I couldn't wait! I had to get them OUT!  So I turned to the internet.  Turns out ants hate all kind of natural things like cinnamon, black pepper, mint and vinegar.  So...first I cleaned like a mad woman and got anything that would attract them sealed or wiped away. Then I observed them to find where they were coming from.  After a while I found the source. I sprinkled cinnamon & black pepper near where they were coming in  and  I put vinegar in a spray bottle and sprayed any ants I found (They HATE that and go running for the exit - where they came in!)  and I sprayed all around my family room and kitchen (where they were congregating). Within 48 hours they were GONE!  I've kept the cinnamon & black pepper by the back door where they were entering and I haven't seen any since.  By the way, you could use peppermint essential oil instead of vinegar. It would smell much better,  but I was all out.

The moral of the story - turn to the internet BEFORE you turn to an exterminator.  It's cheaper & better for your family if you can use some natural solutions!  

Do you have any natural solutions that have "saved the day" or that you use regularly in your home?