They love warm weather, travel in groups, they're always hungry and overstay their welcome. Teenagers on summer vacation? Relatives from out of town? No, summer's here and that means picnics, barbeques and (oh no) ants!

That's right, they're pests indeed. You can spray them, bait them, swat and vacuum them but you can't get rid of them. Instead know what to expect and what to do.

Contrary to popular opinion (and how clean your kitchen is) ants come and go because of the weather. They head indoors to escape heat and rain not in search of crumbs and foods left out and about (although they do love it when they find them). While sprays, baits and traps may thin their numbers it won’t stop them.

Your best defense? Caulk and seal points of entry. Set pet food dishes in a larger bowl of soapy water and sprinkle our secret weapon (chili powder) about. It's what you can expect and about all you can do "oh when the ants go marching in".