Ants (Part 2)

So I think Chris and I took care of the ant problem.

We cut some PVC pipe into short pieces to become some new legs for the bin. Then we placed the legs in some bowls of water (I made it soapy for good measure, but don't think that would have made a difference). So basically, the ants would have to walk across the water to get into the bin (or out). It's a good moat.

I had also read some good tips for safe ways to get rid of ants. (Safe for your family and pets, not safe for the ants).

Cinnamon will suck all the moisture out of ants, basically mummifying them upon ingestion.

Corn meal will expand in their stomachs when they drink water, "exploding" them.

Who knows if these two things are true, but we put some down just in case.

Ants

Well... I have a small ant problem.

Don't tell my mom.

I think it's because I don't have enough paper bedding in there yet, plus the food needs to be wrapped better. When we put in our compost for the day, the food should really be wrapped in damp newspaper. I just need to train Chris to do that and do it myself, and hopefully that will take care of the problem...

Worm Bin Pictures

Here's the bin...


Below: with the lid removed. You can see the vent holes along the bottom front and the top back.


Let's peak inside...


Leftover snow peas and some bread crust.


Check out the thin red line in about the middle of this last picture. That's little Jimmy. Ain't he cute?

Time for an update!

Okay, what's new...

I rode my bike to work on Friday. It was a little wet out, but fantastic to get outside. I had about 4 cars pull out in front of me at intersections, but I was going at a very leisurely pace, so I was able to keep space between me and the cars. However, the sherrif car that pulled in front of me was a little ironic...

Chris and I went to the Home Show today in Grand Rapids. It was fun to attend. The main intent was to recon for what other landscaping companies are doing and their marketing pieces, but it was fun. Zero freebies handed out though... I guess it's just another reminder of how everyone needs to be a little tighter with what money they have.

I ordered my worms today! I've been holding off, partly because we haven't put together a lid for the box yet and partly because I've just kind of forgotten... But now the worms are on their way and Chris and I will be forced to pull our act together. The worms are coming form Uncle Jim's Worm Farm.

That's most of what's new. I bought a reflective vest-thing for when I'm biking to work to help my visibility. What I'd really like is the Down Low Glow, but I'll have to save up quite a bit for that one. I'll probably get Glowspek Pedals first, since those are much more affordable.

That's all I've got for now. If you're a facebook user, become friends with Beaker Bob - he's our mascot for our online menu company. He's the one that's a cute little beaker...

Vermicomposting.

I think I'm going to do it.

I have a birthday coming up... It would be a random thing to ask for on a birthday, but...

It's cost effective, good for the planet, doesn't smell bad and will give me fertilizer for my plants.

I'm not sure if my parents are all that on board though. And it's their house.

But I did get a book from the library today, so maybe that will help convince them that it's okay. Heck, these pets would do a lot less damage than their dogs do...