May 2008
Royal Memorabilia – An eBay Prince or Pauper?
There has always been a fascination with royalty and as a niche area for collecting and auction trading, it is still a relatively accessible market. And it can also be extremely interesting.
There is a vast range of items that you can choose as your niche market. So whether your interest is in fine china, silverware, mugs, clothing or whatever, you can usually find something with a royal connection. And you don’t need a huge bank balance to get started, as prices can be very modest depending upon your speciality.
There always seems to be a healthy demand for royal memorabilia listed on eBay and other online auctions. And now that items from the 1980’s and 90’s are becoming increasingly collectable, you can start trading with a very low budget.
So, is there a favourite Royal for eBay traders?
What can be said is that the British royal family has inspired more memorabilia than any other dynasty: whether it is stamps, photographs, medals, books, tins, china or a host of other varied items, the likeness of a British royal has probably appeared on it. And UK royal items are sought after all over the world and especially in the US. So this could be a high demand area to initially concentrate on.
Products related to Elizabeth II, the present British monarch, are currently the most tradable. Items can still be found related to the birth and childhood of Elizabeth, her 1953 coronation, the Silver and Golden Jubilee celebrations and other items associated with key birthdays, wedding anniversaries and state visits.
It is now believed that the most photographed person in royal history was Princess Diana and related memorabilia still attracts a strong interest and demand. Hand-written letters from the Princess can now sell for £10,000 plus but you can still find a Charles and Diana wedding matchbook for 50p!
Recently, the Christies’ catalogue for the sale of Princess Diana’s dresses sold for £775 on eBay.co.uk. In 1997, you could have bought this same catalogue for just a few pounds. So start searching those junk shops and yard sales. You just might find a copy tucked away in a corner somewhere!
On a slightly macabre note, if you have a copy of the original French newspapers (dated August 31st and September 1st 1997) that reported the injury and death of the charismatic Princess, you probably have an appreciating collectable. Hang on to it for a few more years and its value is bound to increase.
Other royal memorabilia in order of desirability are items connected with Queen Victoria, Prince Philip, the late Queen Mother, Princess Anne, the late Princess Margaret, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry.
Memorabilia featuring royals from other countries is also very collectable but interest tends to be concentrated within that specific country. The exception is any item associated with the Russian royal family especially the Tsar and Tsarina, Nicholas II and Alexandra.
So which items of royal memorabilia are the most tradable and profitable?
I’ll be exploring these questions in my next article appearing soon. I’ll also be looking at the how and where to source royal memorabilia to maximise your auction profits.
Until then, wishing you every success.
With 30 years of business experience, online auctions and information marketing have now become my passion. I’m still learning and happy to help others if I can.
If you’re looking for the best way to start your own eBay business then this will be of interest. It’s a proven system that you can follow at your own pace. And it was created by a hardworking mum!!
For further details: http://ebayprofits.salesplease.com
Weight Loss With Bontril: Smooth Sailing On The Weight Loss Ocean
As many of us know, it’s the first few days of starting a healthy new habit that can be the most discouraging. The first few days of exercise are always the achiest. A new reduced-calorie diet comes with hunger pangs until your body adjusts to the healthier eats.
Sometimes taking an appetite suppressant can help you ride out the choppy waters and get you to the days of smooth and healthy sailing! If you’re getting ready to start a new weight-loss program, Bontril SR (the slow release version of Bontril) can help you manage those first few weeks of changes.
Is Bontril a Tranquillizer?
Not to worry – Bontril SR doesn’t make you “zone out” through your first few weeks of healthful eating. You’re not going to be the Rip Van Winkle of weight loss success! Actually, Bontril SR is an appetite suppressant which works a lot like the old-fashioned amphetamines that were used in the 50s to help women keep thin. Unlike amphetamines, Bontril won’t leave you “hopped up” – instead it’ll help you feel less hungry as your body adjusts to your new diet and exercise programs.
How do I get started on a Bontril-based weight-loss plan?
Bontril SR requires a doctor’s prescription, so visit your favorite doctor to see if Bontril is right for your needs. Usually, drugs like Bontril are a good bet for people who have a body-mass index (BMI, which is a measure of your height-to-weight ratio) of over 30. If you’ve tried some of the newer weight-loss pills (like Xenical) but they didn’t work for you, Bontril may be a good alternative.
Your doctor may steer you toward a different drug if you are taking or have recently taken an MAO inhibitor (a type of antidepressant). She may also suggest an alternative if you have significant heart disease or circulation problems (like high blood pressure) or if you have insulin-dependent diabetes.
The First Few Weeks
Bontril works by suppressing your appetite, so your body adjusts to your new diet without a tidal wave of hunger pangs! There are some other things that can help with your adjustment, so here’s a checklist to help you get started:
• Don’t forget – diet and exercise is what makes weight-loss happen – Bontril SR will just make it all easier!
• Some people have side effects (dry mouth, stomach troubles) when they first start on Bontril SR, but they pass. If they don’t stop, or if you have other serious symptoms, it’s time to call your doctor!
• You might feel like celebrating when your weight loss starts, but don’t call for a margarita! Alcohol can increase the occasional dizziness people feel while they’re on Bontril SR.
• Because Bontril SR is a slow-release drug (SR), don’t chew the capsule! You’ll get a big whopping dose of the drug all at once if you do and that can really increase side effects!
Once you’ve gotten adjusted to your new lifestyle, usually in a couple of weeks, you should talk to your doctor about stopping Bontril SR. Be aware that some people find Bontril SR habit-forming and stopping the drug all at once can lead to withdrawal symptoms. So work with your doctor to reduce your dose on a regular schedule until you’re not taking it anymore.
When you stop taking Bontril SR, you’ll already be adjusted to a healthier, lower-cal diet. All you’ll need to do is to keep up the good work!
Copyright (C) Shoppe.MD and Ian Mason, 2004-2005
Ian Mason, owner of Shoppe.MD, your source for health news and Bontril online.
Ian studies health, weight loss, exercise, and several martial arts; maintaining several websites in an effort to help provide up-to-date and helpful information for other who share his interests in health of body and mind.
Contact Ian Mason by e-mail at ian@shoppe.md
B Complex Vitamins and Their Importance in Health and Disease (Part II)
Pyridoxine
Vitamin B 6 or pyridoxine is actually a group of substance – pyridoxine, pyridoxinal and pyridoxamine – that are closely related and function together. It helps in the absorption of fats and proteins, prevents nervous and skin disorders and protects against degenerative diseases.
The main sources of this vitamin are yeast, wheat, bran, wheat germ, pulses, cereals, banana,
walnuts, soyabeans, milk, egg, liver, meat and fresh vegetables. Deficiency can lead to
dermatitis, conjuctivitis, anaemia, depression, skin disorders, nervousness, insomnia, migraine
headaches and heart diseases.
The recommended daily requirement is 2.0 mg. for adults and 0.2 mg. for children. This vitamin
used therapeuticlly from 100 to 150 mg. daily can relieve painful jonts and the discomforts of
pregnancy and pre-menstrual symptoms. Vitamin B6 is now the most intensively studied of all
vitamins. Researches are on the threshold of a number of promising developments involving
treatments of various ailments with this vitamin. They include hyperactivity in children, asthma,
arthritis, kidney stones, blood clots in heart attack victims and nervous disorders.
Folic Acid
Vitamin B9 or folic acid, along with vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells.
It is essential for the growth and division of all body cells for healing processes. It aids protein
metabolism and helps prevent premature greying. Valuable sources of this vitamin are deep
green leafy vegetables such as spinach, lettuce, brewers yeast, mushrooms , nuts,peanuts and
liver. A deficiency can result in certain types of anaemia, serious skin disorders, loss of hair,
impaired circulation, fatigue and mental depression.
The minimum daily requirement of this vitamin is 0.4 mg. To correct anaemia and deficiencies 5
mg or more are needed daily. Some authorities believe that folic acid is contraindicated in
leukemia and cancer.
Pantothenic Acid
Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid helps in cell building, main- taining normal growth and
development of the central nervous system. It stimulates the adrenal glands and increases the
production of cortisone and other adrenal hormones. It is essential for conversion of fatty and
sugar to energy. It also helps guard against most physical and mental stresses and toxins and
increases vitality. The main sources of this vitamin are whole grain bread and cereals, green
vegetables, peas, beans, peanuts and egg yolk. It can be synthesised in the body by intestinal
bacteria. A deficiency can cause chronic fatigue, hypoglycemia, greying and loss of hair, mental
depression, stomach disorders, blood and skin disorders.
The minimum daily requirement of this vitamin has not been established, but is estimated to be
between 30 and 50 mg a day. The usual therapeutic doses are 50 to 200 mg. In some studies,
1,000 mg or more were given daily for six moths without side effects. It is useful in the treatment
of insomnia, low blood pressure and hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 or cobolamin, commonly known as “red vitamin”, is the only vitamin that contains
essential mineral elements. It is essential for proper functioning of the central nervous system,
production and regeneration of red blood cells and proper utilisation of fat, carbohydrates and
protein for body building. It also improves concentration, memory and balance. Valuable sources
of this vitamin are kidney, liver, meat, milk, eggs, bananas and peanuts. Its deficiency can lead
to certain types of anaemia, poor appetite and loss of energy and mental disorders.
The recommended daily allowance of this vitamin is 3 mcg. Taken in large therapeutic doses
from 50 to 100 mcg., it is beneficial in the treatment of lack of concentration, fatigue, depression,
insomnia and poor memory.
To learn more about the energy principle in healing, please read:
Cost-free Miracle Asthma Cure
Overcome Type I Diabetes and Type II Diabetes Naturally
Alternative Treatments for Incurable Diseases made easy
Hits, Hits, & More Hits! But, What’s Wrong?
You can get all the hits you want, but if it doesn’t translate
into customers and sales, then you have hits and that’s it! The
average surfer spends about 26 seconds on your web page. So, how
do you turn those hits into customers and sales? 1,2,3,4,Score!
1) First, take a look at your web site. Get a professional
opinions. Put function, professionalism, and speed, ahead of
flashy slow loading animated, audio, video designs. Sure some
are great. Make sure all of your links work, and you don’t have
any of those red x’s. Granted, not everyone’s browser is going
to be working right all of the time, but you should try to have
your site compatible with multiple browsers. At least Netscape
and Internet Explorer. All the flash, and fancy styled designs
does not mean the customer will stick around and buy. Make sure
you have a product or service that is in demand, with good
quality, and value. Do the research, find out what your
demographics for your site are, and ask yourself, if this is
something you would buy. Compile the stats into useful marketing
knowledge.
2) Next qualify your customers and target your traffic. After
you have done your research, homework, compiled all your stats,
and information, then start advertising your site geared toward
these prospects. People that need and want your product and
services. Use the directories, search engines, ezines,
newsletters, banners, classified ads, press releases, and
partnerships wisely to reach your target audience. Make sure
your meta tags, and title pages are setup properly. Many sites,
like bcentral.com allow you to target your demographics, like
age groups, locations, gender, certain groups, sub groups,
directories, sub directories, financial groups, etc. You will
soon see your average site session times increase dramatically.
3) Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up! Learn how to write
exceptional, professional sales letters, and emails. Again, ask
a pro to critique, tear them apart, help you to make them the
best action oriented sales letters. Stay with your customers
that inquire, and overcome their objections. Ask if the customer
has any questions. Answer the questions, sell your products, or
services, use features and benefits. Remember the top four:
Gather information(Facts), benefits and features, and closing
the sale. (Features Tell),….(Benefits Sell!) Keep in mind,
WIIFM – ” What’s In It For Me?” A benefit clearly spells out
WIFFM for the prospect. However, it is possible to overdo the
benefits. Do not oversell your potential customer. Focus only on
those benefits that will be of interest. Don’t forget to ASK FOR
THE SALE. you can’t overcome objections, if you don’t ask for
the sale.
4) Finally, Use a personal approach. Online or in the store,
customers want individual attention, and are willing to pay for
it. Autoresponders, done right, save a ton of time, but you
still can take a individual approach. You like knowing your
business is highly valued, and so do your customers. The other
half of your job is Customer Satisfaction!
So, there you go, 1,2,3,4,Score! Turn your hits into sales, and
satisfied customers! Educate, and develop your customer and
sales skills. With a great web site, and following the above
steps, you really can score! (Financially that is:)
Microsoft Great Plains – Typical Problems And Fixes – Overview For IT Administrators
How to delete the user? This is the first problem you encounter – when user shuts down the computer – Great Plains doesn’t have the command to log off the user and when user tries to login the next day – she gets error message that user is already logged on. The fix:
- Microsoft SQL Server – open SQL Query Analyzer, switch to DYNAMICS database and run the following script: DELETE ACTIVITY WHERE USERID=’KATHY’.
- Pervasive SQL/Ctree – if you have more than one user registered you can delete the user from GP: System->User Activity->Delete User. If you like to work on the file level – ask all the users to log off. On the server, where you have your Great Plains files structure – DYNAMICS is the root, in SYSTEM folder delete ACTIVITY.* files
How to unlock the batch? This happens when user posts the batch and has her computer crashed (via surfing the internet – smile – or things like this)
- General tip – Great Plains recommends to logoff and then login back with the same user id. Then Great Plains will prompt the user to recover posting batch. Unfortunately it doesn’t work in 70% of the cases
- MS SQL Server – the batch record is stored in Batch Header table: SY00500 in the company database. The fields to clear are: BCHSTTUS and MKDTOPST. In some cases you have to delete the record from SY00800 from DYNAMICS db.
- Pervasive/ctree – you have to install ODBC driver for Pervasive or Ctree and hook the tables: SY00500, SY00800 with Microsoft Access – use linked tables technique
Now we would like to stress you the need to move away from Pervasive SQL 2000/Ctree platforms – you are in trouble – Microsoft Business Solutions cuts technical support for Microsoft Great Plains 7.5 and prior on these platforms. This means not only the support, but also tax updates (especially Payroll and Federal Magnetic Media).
What is migration from Ctree/Pervasive.SQL 2000 to MS SQL/MSDE? MBS has migration tool. You need first to install Great Plains on SQL Server with exactly the same account/segments structure and then install migration tool (it is Dexterity chunk) on your ctree/Pervasive workstation – then, when you integrate the chunk – you will map it to target SQL-based Great Plains Company, select all system and company tables, click the button and it will move all your tables one-by-one. In the case when your Great Plains ctree/Pervasive has third parties – you need to check if the vendor has migration tool – otherwise you have to do manual move, use SQL Linked server to your legacy data
Do I need consultant? It is probably good idea to have consultant to do the upgrade. We strongly recommend you to use consultant in the following cases
- You have Dexterity customization
- You are doing migration from Pervasive/Ctree to Microsoft SQL Server/MSDE, especially when you have third-parties without migration tools
- You have a lot or ReportWriter Modified Great Plains Reports
- You have old version of Great Plains: Dynamics or eEnteroprise 6.0 or prior – in this case you can not appeal to Microsoft Technical Support – it is discontinued
- Your Great Plains has more than 20 users and you have to have upgrade done over the weekend – if it fails – you have business problems
- You don’t have support – in this case you have to select your Microsoft Business Solutions Partner and pay for the annual support/enhancement plan – you will get new registration key and will be ready for the upgrade
Good luck in fixing and if you have issues or concerns – we are here to help! If you want us to do the job – give us a call 1-866-528-0577! help@albaspectrum.com
Andrew Karasev is Chief Technology Officer in Alba Spectrum Technologies – USA nationwide Great Plains, Microsoft CRM customization company, based in Chicago, California, Texas, Florida, New York, Georgia, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Canada, UK, Australia and having locations in multiple states and internationally (www.albaspectrum.com), he is CMA, Great Plains Certified Master, Dexterity, SQL, C#.Net, Crystal Reports and Microsoft CRM SDK developer.
You can contact Andrew: andrewk@albaspectrum.com
If You Can’t See Your Way to Completing Your Goal, It’s Time to Check Your Vision
Have you been having trouble achieving a specific goal? Are you allowing other less important things to get in the way of accomplishing what you really want? Then this is the time to do a VISION check. Just as it is important to get our eyes checked regularly to assure that we will be able to see clearly, it is equally as important to do a VISION check to be certain that our goal is on track.
Vivid Picture – Have you created a vivid picture in your imagination as to what your completed goal will look, feel, and sound? Have you added lots of sensory detail, paying particular attention to what emotions you will experience when you have achieved your goal? Many people omit this step or they make a half-hearted attempt at it. As a result, their completed goal is not real to them so it becomes very easy to get distracted by day-to-day events. This step takes time and thought which is why many people don’t do it. However, if you don’t have a clear picture in your mind as to what you are trying to accomplish, how will you ever attain it? Developing a clear, vivid picture is critical if you want to achieve your goal.
Inspired – Are you inspired by your goal? Does thinking about it make you smile? If not, then go back to your vivid picture and change it until you are excited about it. Goals take effort. They often require that we change and do things that may be a stretch for us. If the goal isn’t something you really want in the first place, then why bother trying to achieve it?
When you come up with a goal, don’t limit yourself by what you think you can accomplish. Decide what you truly want. Many people have achieved enormous success in their lives because they had big goals. When you are inspired enough by your dream, you will find a way to make it a reality.
Sustained Belief – Do you have a sustained belief that you will achieve your goal? If you really don’t expect to accomplish your goal, then you probably won’t. Sometimes it takes extraordinary courage to believe, in the face of all evidence to the contrary, that we will be successful. Things go wrong. Problems come up. It is easy to get discouraged. That is the time is when you most need to have sustained belief. You can get through the difficult times if you believe you can. People rise to the level of their own beliefs. When you believe you will be successful, then you will achieve success.
Identify – Do you identify with your goal now even though you have not yet achieved it? We must begin to identify with the person we want to become. Once or twice each day, play the picture of your completed goal in your mind. Live your goal in your imagination and experience all of the wonderful emotions that go with it. As you continue to do this, you will find that your thoughts and behaviors become more aligned with the person you will be when you achieve your goal.
Observant – Are you observant as to what actions that are taking you closer to your goal and those that are moving you further away? When we create an action plan for our goal, some of the ideas included in it will work and others won’t. After you take a specific action, observe the result. If it is positive, then continue to do it. If you don’t get the result you expected then modify it and try again. By being observant about what is working and what isn’t, you can adjust your strategy as needed so you will continue to move closer to your goal.
Never Give Up Attitude – Have you adopted a never give up attitude? Have you made a decision that you will not quit no matter how long it takes to achieve your goal? If you don’t have this attitude you might find that obstacles overwhelm you. They might be too difficult to overcome and there is a strong likelihood that you will quit before achieving what you want. However, when you adopt a never give up attitude, there is a power and conviction within you that will carry you through until you reach success.
So if your VISION is fuzzy, don’t worry. By making a few adjustments, you will be able to clearly see your goal to completion and experience all the joy and satisfaction that are part of the package.
About The Author
Della Menechella is a speaker, author, and trainer who inspires people to achieve greater success from the inside out. She is a contributing author to Thriving in the Midst of Change and the author of the videotape The Twelve Commandments of Goal Setting. She can be reached at della@dellamenechella.com. Subscribe to free Peak Performance Pointers e-zine – send blank e-mail to mailto:subscribe@dellamenechella.com.
Prepaid Credit Cards
If you have a history of bad credit and are unable to obtain a mainstream credit card, then prepaid credit cards may be just the answer you are looking for.
First of all, although prepaid credit cards are accepted at any retail outlet where the credit card logo is displayed, strictly speaking they are not a ‘credit’ card, as the issuer provides no credit facility to you. Rather, your spending limit is determined by how much money you have on the credit card at any given time.
Once the amount on the card has been spent, the cardholder can either buy a new prepaid credit card or elect to transfer money on to the existing card, depending on the card program.
Although prepaid credit cards sound very like debit credit cards, the two should not be confused. In the case of debit cards, any purchase for goods or services you make will automatically be charged to you bank account – for which the debit credit card has been issued. However, purchases for goods or services made on prepaid cards goes off the balance already on the card.
Because of the prepaid nature of these cards, they have several benefits, such as:
That said, you still need to review the terms and conditions of the application form carefully as prepaid credit cards can have
Nonetheless, the card is a superb option if you either cannot obtain a regular credit card or are tired of all the fees and interest charges that are normally associated with standard credit card.
Joseph Kenny is the webmaster of the UK credit card comparison site www.creditcards121.com/, where you can find a selection of credit card advice. For US visitors there is also the comparison site www.credit-cards-info.com/ for all US interest free offers.
eBay and How to Buy, Part 4: Payment Options
At one point in all of that shopping, you are bound to finally choose that all important item to buy on eBay. Once you found something, it is time to shell out the cash. eBay sellers offer a variety of options when it comes to payment and each seller has different policies. It is important to check the payment options before deciding to purchase from eBay. The largest percentage of auctions ended on eBay are paid for with Paypal.
Paypal, also an eBay company is a secure online payment processor and can be found in hundreds of sites online as well as eBay. Some online buyers won’t even consider buying if the listing includes Paypal as an option due to the ease of online payment, quick processing and options galore. Through Paypal, a purchaser can pay using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover or through eCheck out of your bank account. Any eBay seller who runs a business online with status, will usually accept Paypal as a form of payment. Paypal also offers both the buyer and seller insurance against theft or shipment fraud through their various programs making using their services more security oriented.
Some sellers will accept money orders or cashiers check. This allows the buyer who is not comfortable with sending credit card information out over the internet, another option. You can get a money order or cashiers check, not just at a bank but at a variety of places, making them easy to get your hands on. This can be an option that has a longer lead time to get your item due to the mail transit time in the money getting to the seller. Most sellers will also give a deadline on how long they will wait to receive the money order and the buyer needs to be prompt with sending the money.
Other payment options such as personal check, merchant credit card processors or transfers are available from some sellers and other options can be available. It is important to make sure to read the auction before buying to make sure that your preferred payment method is an option. After payment, you just sit back and wait for your item to arrive.
Amy Lieberfarb has been in the office furniture and interior sales industry for 11 years and currently runs two online websites dedicated to Office Chairs and Furniture. Providing information on how to pick the right ergonomic chair and featuring hundreds of different chairs, the site is very informative.
http://stores.ebay.com/liebswholesale
Specializing in Office Furniture and Ergonomic Chairs.
Please see her websites and her many other articles for more information on ergonomics and proper positioning.
She is an expert in most things office chairs and is an eBay Gold Level Powerseller with years of experience and great positive feedback from all of her loyal customer base.
Travel Insurance – Helpful Tips For Your Trip
The day is soon approaching and it’s time to consider travel
insurance to protect you from the unexpected. There are many
travel insurance plans to choose from for that trip you are
going to take. There are some important tips about travel
insurance and the policies these travel insurance companies
offer. Also, you can have a safe trip if you take a little time
to research and educate yourself with a few simple and helpful
tips.
When you are getting ready to travel, be sure to tell at least
three family members where you are going to stay. Let them know
your hotel details and arrival and departure dates. Another
important tip if you travel in other countries, is the right
vaccinations for the country you are going to visit. This is a
safety issue many forget to even consider while traveling abroad.
Another helpful tip with any type of travel insurance, is your
money and documents. Be sure you have the right passports and
all required visas and that they are current. One of the best
things you can do is get travelers checks. You really don’t want
to carry cash if at all possible. Another important thing to
remember in regards to travelers checks, is not to counter sign
them until you use them.
Travel insurance companies can give you a check list of all the
important tips for a safe trip. Make sure you have copies of
your travel documents, airline tickets, passport, visas and your
vaccination records. It’s best to leave a copy at home and also
carry them in your carry on luggage and your suitcase. This will
help insure you have these important documents in case one set
gets lost while traveling. Another very important consideration,
is to put all valuables and documents in a safe deposit box.
Don’t leave them in your hotel room or you vehicle unattended.
Travel insurance policies should cover you for international
travel. Medical and other expenses, cancellation and
curtailment, personal baggage, delayed baggage, missed
departure, personal money and important documents, travel delay,
personal liability and hijack are generally covered.
Travel insurance reviews online can help you get an idea of the
best company for your travel plans. You can easily see the many
insurance reviews online. It can be well worth your while to do
a simple online search. You can compare travel insurance
companies with a few clicks of your computer mouse.
Take some time to do your research and you can rest assured you
have made a well informed decision in regards to your safety and
travel insurance needs.
Ants! – 1,000,000,000,000,000 Invaders!
Imagine! One quadrillion tiny (and some not so tiny!) insects–foraging…rampaging…looking for virtually anything that might be eaten or, in some cases, conquered. Striding purposely along in endless lines, ants wend their way across our yards, up the walls, through almost invisible cracks and crevices…pouring out of what seems an impossible nowhere…into our kitchens and pantries.
First come just a few. Scouts who return to the nest with good news of dirty dishes, crumbs behind the stove, garbage cans filled to overflowing and cat munchies spilled down a floor register. A force rivaling the invading hordes of Genghis Kahn immediately mobilizes and marches–bent on stocking their collective larder against the promise of another long winter.
Ants! It seems that all quadrillion of them on Earth at any one time routinely turn up in our gardens and kitchens…overnight…without warning. And are they tough! In some cases, they can even be beneficial. Always a fascinating social structure. Second only to cockroaches in tenacity, and rivaling the wily coyote in cunning, ants have adapted quite nicely to the human lifestyle and are the most social insect on our planet.
Yet, while they may be a nuisance in the home, even these pestiferous rascals can often be beneficial in the garden. Most species–and there are probably 14,000 in all–are omnivorous…they eat virtually anything organic. That includes practically any other insect (except aphids–more about their relationship with aphids later) including cutworms, grubs, fleas, bedbugs, and flies. They’ll even attack and drag away moths, mosquitoes and black flies. Additionally, they recycle decaying animal and vegetable material, and certain types aerate the soil with their deep networks of tunnels.
Stories abound relating the horrors of people being attacked and all but devoured by swarms of marauding ants. True, a few species can inflict a nasty and painful sting (injecting a type of formaldehyde). Quite a few others will respond to threat upon their lives or security by clamping down on the nearest patch of flesh with powerful, needle-sharp jaws. But, while a serious threat outdoors, that type rarely finds its way into the home and, if left alone in the garden, would quickly flee from an occasional encounter with a 160+ pound gardener wielding a hoe or trowel.
Ants do, however, have a more “devilish” side. They will protect and nurture certain types of aphids. An aphid is actually little more than a very small processing unit that converts plant juices (sap) into a sweet nectar-like solution that it stores in its bulging little body. Ants have learned that by stroking an aphid’s abdomen, they are rewarded with a droplet of “honey-dew” from tiny tube-like projections on its posterior.
Remarkably, with the arrival of the frosts of fall, ants will actually carry some of their aphid-partners into their subterranean homes where they are kept alive over winter, later to be returned to the upper parts of plants the following spring.
A number of larger insects, birds, small snakes and mammals prey upon ants so they only rarely become a serious problem in the outdoors. Occasionally, however, a nest turns up in the wrong place and must be dealt with. Resist the natural urge to become hysterical. Ants can very easily be encouraged to move to a different spot. Remember that they’re where they are because conditions are favorable and food plentiful. If you make their living conditions unpleasant, more often than not they’ll pack up their eggs and pupae and march off to find a new home.
Water–lots of it–is the answer. Just follow the trail of workers to the nest opening and then pour in plenty of water to which a little dishwashing liquid has been added. Should that fail, a brew of blenderized tansy (a perennial herb with a pungent odor) in water should do the trick. They can’t stand the smell of the stuff! Be watchful though. They may move in the wrong direction and end up in Junior’s sand box, or worse: the basement. I prefer to avoid the use of toxic chemistry in the control or management of ants.
Finally, ants can become most interesting pets, living upwards of six years for workers and as long as 12 years for the queen. Many a youngster has spent long and profitable hours observing the social behavior of these fascinating little creatures. Perhaps the simplest and least expensive formicarium is a jar of soil placed in a shallow tray of water or covered with fine gauze. Start with a queen (they’re the larger ones with wings) and she’ll produce her own ladies-in-waiting and workers. Feed with small scraps of meat, fruit or sugar and supply moisture by wetting a small sponge with water. Just be careful not to overdo the food and water…the little fellows can only eat and drink so much.
It all sounds suspiciously Hitchcockian doesn’t it!
Fred Davis is a Master Gardener, Master Composter, lecturer, and long-time nurseryman. He and his wife, Linda, own and operate a popular perennial nursery in Palermo, Maine, and maintain a no-frills gardening information website where you will find answers to your gardening questions, at: http://www.HillGardens.com/