ants

Anybody know a natural way to get rid of ants? Nothing major like fire ants (thank God), just the pesky little red picnic-spoiling kind. Friends of mine with a beautiful cottage in the Hamptons are plagued with them despite constant counter cleaning, all food in zippy bags and old fashioned ant cups. I tried a prescribed solution of sugar, water and boric acid - which attracted them like mad but didn't ultimately make them go away. Pets are an issue. Anyone? A solution to mealie moths would also be most welcome.