Use an exterminator if ants uncovered in early spring

Finding some carpenter ants in your home during warm weather in summer and fall does not necessarily mean there is a nest inside. First, try to determine whether the ants are coming from an outdoor or an indoor nest, although this can be difficult. If you find carpenter ants in your home during winter, late winter or early spring, that suggests the ants are coming from a nest in the building. If you see activity later in the year, the nest may not be in the building.

Black carpenter ants can vary in size from one-quarter to one-half inch in length. They do not eat wood, but they will create tunnels in it, leaving telltale sawdust behind. They are attracted to wood that has been softened by moisture. They will also nest in rotting trees, stumps and boards left on the ground. You will probably need to work with a professional exterminator to eliminate an indoor infestation.

• There has been a lot of rain recently, and it is best to wait to work your garden's soil until it dries out. Since the weather is cooler in spring, this may take longer than it would in warmer weather. The structure of the soil can be damaged if you dig while the soil is too wet to work. Work in compost or other organic matter to enrich the soil as needed. Avoid excessive walking in beds that are wet to prevent damage to the soil.

• Check garden beds to be sure plants have not heaved out of the ground due to the freeze-thaw-freeze cycles typical at this time of year. Gently press the crowns of perennials back into the ground but avoid compacting the soil by stomping heavily around plants. Applying a layer of mulch will help prevent additional frost heaving.

• Protect emerging tulips from deer and rabbit damage by spraying with a repellent or covering with netting. Repellents need to be reapplied after rain. Netting should be adjusted as bulbs grow and may need to be weighted down to keep from blowing away. Animals do not usually eat daffodils, Siberian squill or ornamental onions.

• Tim Johnson is director of horticulture at Chicago Botanic Garden, chicagobotanic.org.