Thank you wazungy, I didnt think they did. I just thought it was weird that this old cactus just started growing needles and not when it was smaller. I knew it was an opuntia but theres so many to try to I.d. well I guess I can wait to see if anyone else can I.d. It or just keep researching.

The ants problem will go away; you seem to have a good program in place and it is only a matter of time. But it does require persistence and attention to detail. Ask the pest control company to explain their program in some detail. They are probably applying a band of insecticide all around the house. It is important that this band be continous all around the structure and retreatment must be done before the product breaks down. Make it easy for them by removing obstacles. Trim away any plant material that is touching any part of the house; especially the roof. The weak areas of the perimeter treatment are the entrances. Let them tell you what YOU can treat the garage and other doorways with until they come back. Inside the house you have got to have 'faith' that the bait (it's the only way to go) is being taken back to the nest and that it is killing them softly without song. (I have a warped sense of humor). Ensure that the bait is right and that it is replaced in time. Do not disrupt the creatures' foraging sorties. Take advantage of it by placing the bait stations for their convenience (within limits,of course). Other sources of advice are your County Extension Service and Lesco (There's one near you). No, I do not own shares but I worked in a service center. The guys there are knowledgeable and helpful (if they are anything like I was). I am genuinely sorry to hear that it is impossible to seal all the cracks etc. It may not be easy but it will be effective. A basic tool of pest control is exclusion - never totally achieved but always worth striving for.

I use home defense. I know all of you are looking for a chemical free way to rid yourselves of ants, but Home Denfense doesn't hurt anything. Just spray the perimeter of your house and also your windows and doorways. Also inside under the counters and fridge. Keep your pets away until it dries and then they can come back. Since it has no odor, dogs and cats can't smell it, so they have no temptation to sniff or lick it. I have two chihuahuas and a cat, and they have had no problems so far. You can also get it in granuals. It doesn't hurt plants, but it can hurt fish and lizards, so keep it away from those. And not only does it kill all types of ants, but it kills roaches, beetles, earwigs, mosquitos, fire ants, crickets, centipedes, flies, pantry pests, scorpions, spiders, sliverfish, and ticks. Here is a link that might be useful: Go here for more information.

Dear jordanmichellee1989, as I was going through the comments today to see if anybody had posted pictures of Christmas cactus or Thanksgiving cactus I came across this post. I love looking at the pictures and reading all the info people have. Since you were so kind to offer some cuttings to yenika I was wondering if you would have a few extra that I could have. Is yours the true Christmas cactus, Schlumgergera x buckleyi? I had something similar happen to me. I had to go out of town for a month (which ended up being 2 months) but had someone watering my plants for me while gone. Well needless to say they drenched my Real Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) I had and my Thanksgiving cactus too. So I lost them from rot. I have one pink Thanksgiving cactus my friend has since given me that I could send cuttings from or pay for postage of course. Sorry for the long monologue. I know it is too cold to send them now but thought I would ask now and do this in the spring. I live outside of Chicao, IL. Thanks for your thoughts ahead of time. Sharon