Does Borax Kill Ants? How to Use Borax to Get Rid of Ants
If you find yourself battling ants in your kitchen, bathroom, or pantry, you're not alone. Fortunately, if you prefer to use natural remedies to deal with these pesky critters, Borax may be one option you’ve heard about. But does Borax really kill ants, and how effective is it? Let’s take a closer look!
What is Borax?
Borax, or sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. It's commonly used in household products like detergents, cleaning agents, and even as a pesticide. When it comes to ants, Borax works by interfering with their digestive system, ultimately killing them. It’s particularly effective against sweet-loving ants, like pavement ants, odorous house ants, and carpenter ants, which are common ants in the Sioux Falls area. However, note that borax is not an instant killer, and you may need to be patient to see results.
How Borax Affect Ants?
Borax works by disrupting the ants' metabolism when ingested. Ants are drawn to the sweet bait that you mix with Borax. Once consumed, the Borax kills them by disrupting their digestive system and causing them to dehydrate. The great thing about Borax is that it can also work indirectly—ants may carry the Borax-laden bait back to their colony, where it can affect other ants, including the queen.
How to Use Borax to Kill Ants
If you want to use Borax to combat an ant infestation in your home, here’s a simple guide to get you started:
- Create a Borax Solution: Mix equal parts of Borax and sugar (about 1 tablespoon of each). The sugar will attract ants, and the Borax will do the rest. You can also add a bit of water to create a paste or syrup-like consistency.
- Set Traps: Place the Borax and sugar mixture in small containers or on a shallow dish near ant trails or entry points in your home, including kitchens, bathrooms, and near doorways. Ants will carry the mixture back to their colony, spreading it to other ants.
- Monitor and Reapply: After a few days, check the area for any signs of ants. If you still see activity, replenish the Borax mixture and try placing the traps in different areas. Keep in mind that it may take a week or more to completely eradicate the colony.
- Safety: While Borax is a natural substance, it can still be harmful to pets and children if ingested in large amounts. Make sure to place the traps in areas that are out of reach or use enclosed containers to prevent access.
DIY Ant Traps Using Borax
Borax and Sugar Solution
This classic recipe uses the combination of sugar to attract ants and Borax to do the work.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Borax
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
- Mix the Borax and sugar together in a small bowl.
- Add the water and stir until the sugar and Borax are fully dissolved.
- Place the solution in shallow dishes near ant trails, in places where you’ve seen ants entering, or along their usual pathways inside your home.
Why it Works: The sugar lures ants, and they carry the mixture back to their colony, eventually spreading it to other ants, including the queen.
Borax and Peanut Butter Paste
Ants love the fatty, sticky texture of peanut butter, making it an ideal substance for a Borax bait.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Borax
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for added sweetness)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix Borax and peanut butter together until it forms a thick paste. If desired, you can add honey or syrup for extra sweetness to attract the ants.
- Spoon small amounts of the paste onto a piece of wax paper, cardboard, or into bottle caps.
- Place these bait stations around areas where ants are active, such as along baseboards, countertops, or near ant nests.
Why it Works: Ants are drawn to the peanut butter and carry it back to their nest, where it will ultimately kill them. This method is effective against ants that are particularly attracted to oils and fats.
Borax and Cornmeal Mixture
This simple solution uses cornmeal, which ants are known to consume, and Borax to kill them.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Borax
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal
Instructions:
- Combine the Borax and cornmeal together in a bowl.
- Sprinkle the mixture along ant trails, around doorways, or anywhere ants have been spotted.
Why it Works: The cornmeal attracts the ants, and while they can consume it, the Borax interferes with their digestive system, leading to their demise.
Borax and Baking Soda Mixture
For a slightly different approach, Borax can be combined with baking soda, another common household item, to kill ants.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Borax
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the Borax, baking soda, and optional sugar together.
- Sprinkle the mixture in ant-prone areas like around baseboards, doorways, or under kitchen appliances.
Why it Works: The combination of Borax and baking soda is thought to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment, with baking soda providing an abrasive texture that harms the ants' exoskeletons, while Borax attacks their digestive system.
Pros of Using Borax for Ant Control
- Eco-Friendly: Borax is a naturally occurring mineral, making it an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides. It’s less harmful to the environment when used appropriately.
- Non-Toxic Option (in small quantities): Borax provides a non-toxic alternative to chemical insecticides and is completely safe when used properly.
- Affordable and Easy to Find: Borax is widely available at local stores like Walmart, Home Depot, and even your nearby grocery store. It’s also relatively inexpensive compared to other pest control products.
- Targeted Approach: Using Borax directly where you’ve spotted ants can minimize its impact on other areas of your home, focusing specifically on the pest problem.
- Long-lasting: Borax can continue to work over time, especially when ants carry it back to their colony.
Cons of Using Borax for Ant Control
- Slower Action: Unlike traditional chemical treatments, Borax doesn’t offer immediate results. It can take several days or even weeks for ants to consume enough of the substance to eradicate the colony.
- Limited to Certain Types of Ants: Not all ant species are equally susceptible to Borax, and some may ignore or avoid it altogether. If you don’t see results with Borax, you may need to explore other treatment options, such as professional ant treatments.
- Effectiveness Varies: Depending on the severity of the infestation, Borax alone may not completely eliminate the problem.
- May Not Reach the Queen: Since Borax works by being carried back to the colony, it may not always make it to the queen, who can continue to reproduce and start new colonies. This is one reason why some ant problems persist even with Borax.
- Potential Harm to Pets: While Borax is generally safe, it can be toxic to pets or young children if ingested in large quantities. Make sure to keep bait stations out of reach of pets and children.
Is Borax the Best Solution for Ants?
While Borax is an effective, natural solution for controlling ants, it may not always be the most comprehensive option, especially if you have a significant infestation or have children or pets in your home. If you’ve tried Borax and still see ants or if the problem persists, it might be time to consult a professional pest control service. Local experts in Sioux Falls, like Olson's Pest Technicians, can provide a more thorough treatment plan tailored to your home’s specific needs, ensuring your home stays ant-free for the long term. Contact our team today for more information!