Thoreau, ants, and the battle I'm waging in the kitchen

In 1854, Thoreau published Walden, and in it there is a part of chapter 12 that is often read as a sort of stand-alone essay titled "The Battle of the Ants." In this section, he explores what happens when two opposing factions have a territorial dispute, and he warns that without cooperation, such battles do not end well for any party involved. So be it. 

Except. This. Week. 

We have a plethora of small "sugar ants," those tiny brown, very industrious and invasive ones. It's been hot, then rainy, and the ant hills in the front walk are humongous. They have begun to occupy the house, as well. At first, I was relatively patient; they usually go away quickly, and I just smoosh the rogue ants as I see them. I'm losing the battle, though. Yesterday, I put out ant bait in the kitchen behind the trash can. This morning, there are so many more, all coming and going through a crack along the base of the wall. Now, I know the house is old, and the additions were not necessarily expertly done over the generations. So this particular crack is the base of the wall between the kitchen and the den, which, at one point, was a porch. I put a thick line of ant bait gel along the wall this morning. We are at war. They have gone from being a few stray ants to squadrons that are traversing the space with intention. There are advance scouts in the living room, on the kitchen counter, in the bathroom. I am not amused. 

I tend to leave bugs alone when I'm outside; I'm a guest in their environs. But in my house--nope. These critters are gonna have to go. 

Wish me luck. It's a chilly start to the day, overcast and only 51 degrees. The tree removal team is coming for 8am. I have Holly all day. So, there will be plenty to occupy my attention. I hope you have a good day, and I hope I have good things to report tomorrow.

Keep the faith, do good things, and hold your dear ones close.

C