Your mulch is still OK to use. Once you set it out, there will be lots of creepy crawly things living in it anyway. You can also disturb your mulch in a way that will make the ants leave.

Thank you for the suggestions. I know I can always count on you. I smeared vaseline on the baffle, but I smeared it...very thick, above the baffle and even above the nestbox. This morning I went out and scraped it off as best as I could and reapplied it below the nestbox. When I checked on inside the nestbox, no sign of any ants. So that's a good sign. As for moving it to a pole....my husband said he'd buy a pole this weekend and if I want him to he'll attempt to move the nestbox. I'm not so sure that I want him to do it as this point. Remember this is the same setup that brought us 3 successful clutches last year. I don't want to risk doing something that might upset that box with the 5 little eggs. I'll monitor it as close as I can. These blues are used to me and don't seem to care when I check. I've even opened the box when Mom was in there and she only looked at me. (Both times I knocked on the box first, but she didn't leave). We plant to buy the items we need to get rid of the ants. If something changes we'll make the switch. But I'd really prefer to let this clutch continue undisturbed and then change everything out. I'll keep you posted of course and get pictures when I can. Thanks. tara/fairychick

Any luck with the mockingbirds? I have the same problem.

Yes, you can check the box..I don't monitor mine as often as some others, but you need to check about mid morning, early afternoon...late afternoon, evening is not advised as your scent might still be around and could possibly attract night predators. Mama incubates and Daddy will sometimes feed her while she sits on the eggs...but she does leave the box, to bathe, get food for herself and stretch, I guess!!!!! Oh, I forgot...they usually lay one egg a day, and usually in the morning...I never monitored when I thought she was in the egg laying process...after that, I waited until she left the box and quickly and carefully checked on things...I didn't check again until I thought perhaps the eggs had hatched, and when I did, dear daddy dived-bombed me! I understand your concerns...this is my first time ever to have nesting bbs and everyone on this forum offered so much advice...I couldn't have made it without them!!! There are so many expert bluebirders here who really know their stuff, and will have much more to offer!