Sunday, July 23, 2006; M08

Summer's soggiest days may be behind us, but ants are still on the march. When these persistent pests seek higher, drier ground in your home, try these nontoxic, DIY tips for keeping them at bay.

1. Wipe down surfaces . Cleaning countertops and tabletops with a one-to-one mix of white vinegar and water is usually effective.

2. Load up on lemons. Spray a mix of lemon juice and water along windowsills and doorways to keep ants from entering your home.

3. Try herbs and spices. Ants hate chili powder, cayenne pepper, dried peppermint, cinnamon, paprika and bay leaves. Sprinkle some in their path, and put bay leaves in your cupboards.

4. Feed the plants, repel the ants. After your morning cup of joe, mix the used coffee grounds into the soil of your houseplants and front hedge (gardeners often use coffee grounds for their nutrients, too). It both fertilizes soil and repels ants.

5. Safeguard your pet's bowl. Smear some petroleum jelly around the base of Fido's dish to keep his kibble ant-free. Unless Fido is an ant-eater -- another solution in and of itself.

-- Chris Richards