Are tiny sugar ants invading your kitchen, crawling over your countertops, and raiding your pantry? These persistent pests are attracted to sweet spills and crumbs, making your home their favorite feeding ground. While commercial ant killers are available, many contain harsh chemicals that you may not want around food or pets.
Luckily, borax—a natural mineral compound—can be an effective and affordable solution to eliminate sugar ants for good. In this guide, we’ll explain how borax works against ants and provide step-by-step methods to create your own ant-killing bait.
Why Borax Works Against Sugar Ants
Borax (sodium borate) is a naturally occurring mineral that disrupts ants’ digestive systems and acts as a slow-acting poison. Here’s why it’s so effective:
- Attracts Ants – When mixed with a sweet substance, borax lures sugar ants, who mistake it for food.
- Slow-Acting Poison – Unlike instant killers, borax allows worker ants to carry it back to the colony, poisoning the queen and other ants over time.
- Breaks the Life Cycle – By eliminating the queen, the entire colony collapses, preventing future infestations.
How to Make a Borax Ant Bait
Method 1: Sugar and Borax Liquid Bait
This simple mixture is highly effective for sugar ants.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup sugar
- 1½ tablespoons borax
Instructions:
- Mix sugar and borax in warm water until fully dissolved.
- Soak cotton balls in the solution and place them near ant trails (under sinks, along baseboards, near entry points).
- Refresh the bait every few days until ants disappear.
Why It Works: The sugar attracts the ants, while the borax does the killing. Since it’s liquid, worker ants will carry it back to the nest.
Method 2: Peanut Butter and Borax Bait (For Protein-Loving Ants)
Some ants prefer protein over sugar. If your ants ignore sweet baits, try this alternative.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons borax
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra attraction)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients into a thick paste.
- Place small dabs on pieces of cardboard or bottle caps near ant activity.
- Replace every few days as needed.
Method 3: Solid Borax Bait Stations
For a longer-lasting solution, create bait stations that ants can revisit.
Ingredients:
- 1 part borax
- 1 part powdered sugar (or cornmeal for protein-seeking ants)
Instructions:
- Mix borax and sugar (or cornmeal) thoroughly.
- Sprinkle lightly along ant trails or place in small containers with holes (like a yogurt cup with punctured sides).
- Monitor and refill as ants consume the bait.
Safety Tips When Using Borax
While borax is natural, it should be used with caution:
- Keep away from pets and children – Place baits in areas they can’t access.
- Avoid food surfaces – Don’t apply borax directly on countertops where food is prepared.
- Wash hands after handling – Borax can irritate skin with prolonged exposure.
How Long Does It Take for Borax to Kill Ants?
- First 24-48 hours: You may see more ants as they discover the bait.
- 3-7 days: Ant activity decreases as the poison spreads through the colony.
- 1-2 weeks: The colony (including the queen) should be eliminated.
If ants persist after two weeks, reapply the bait or try a different attractant (like honey or peanut butter).
Preventing Future Sugar Ant Invasions
Once you’ve eliminated the ants, take these steps to keep them from returning:
✔ Wipe down surfaces – Clean up spills, especially sugary ones.
✔ Store food properly – Use airtight containers for sweets, fruits, and pet food.
✔ Seal entry points – Caulk cracks around windows, doors, and pipes.
✔ Take out trash regularly – Don’t let food waste sit for long.
Final Thoughts
Borax is a powerful, inexpensive, and natural way to get rid of sugar ants without harsh chemicals. By using the right bait and being patient, you can wipe out the entire colony—not just the visible scouts.
Have you tried borax for ants before? Share your experiences in the comments below! 🐜🚫
