If you’re looking for an effective and natural solution to eliminate ants, you might have heard about using borax. But does borax kill ants? And how do you use it properly?
What is Borax?
Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral commonly used in cleaning products. When used correctly, it’s safe for humans, but it’s deadly for ants.
How Does Borax Kill Ants?
Borax affects ants by damaging their digestive systems. When ants consume borax, it interferes with their ability to process food, leading to starvation and death. Ants will carry borax back to their colony, spreading the substance and killing the entire nest over time.
Using Borax to Kill Ants
A popular and effective method is mixing borax with sugar or honey. Ants are attracted to the sugar, which acts as bait, while the borax kills them. You can soak cotton balls in the mixture or spread the thicker honey mixture on to a small piece of cardboard or plastic and place them near ant trails and entry points.
Borax can also be mixed with peanut butter. This method works well for different types of ants that might not be attracted to sweet baits.
It’s important to note that ant species vary in how they react to borax baits. Some ants may be less attracted to certain baits due to their preferences, so it’s not always the best solution! For those looking for another natural method, consider using diatomaceous earth or boric acid for ants, which works similarly to borax but can be more effective against certain species.
Tips for Using Borax to Get Rid of Ants
The key to success with borax is placement. You need to place the borax mixture where ants are most active. Look for ant trails and entry points, and place the bait nearby. Ants will be drawn to the sweet bait, consume it, and carry it back to their colony. Remove other food sources to prevent ants from getting distracted. Clean up crumbs and spills so ants don’t skip the bait. Avoid using insecticide sprays with repellent properties near the bait, as this will deter ants from consuming it.
Killing ants with borax isn’t an overnight solution. It can take a few days to weeks to see significant results. Patience is essential as the borax slowly works its way through the colony.
Effective Ant Control
Using borax to kill ants is a tried-and-true method that can be highly effective. By understanding how borax works and using the right recipes and placement, you can use this to help eliminate ant infestations in your home. Whether dealing with sugar ants or the more challenging carpenter ants, borax can be a valuable tool in tackling ant infestations both in your home or your yard.
However, different species also need different treatments for effective elimination, so it’s always best to seek professional pest control. Our ant exterminators are trained to identify different ant species and treat them as efficiently and effectively as possible. Let the team at Bug Out help protect your home from this nuisance pest!
FAQs:
The time it takes for borax to kill ants depends on several factors, including the size of the colony and the amount of borax consumed. Generally, you can start seeing results within 24 to 48 hours, but complete eradication may take up to two weeks.
Yes, borax can also kill carpenter ants. However, carpenter ants can be more challenging to eliminate because they often nest inside wood structures. Using borax and other methods, such as insecticidal sprays, can be more effective for a carpenter ant infestation.
While borax is relatively safe for humans and pets, you should still take precautions. Place baits in areas out of reach of children and pets. You can also cover the baits with a perforated lid to allow ants access while keeping them safe from curious hands and paws.