Ants tend to be a nuisance, especially in the kitchen, where they might creep up on food and even attack. One highly effective way to get rid of ants is by using Borax. Borax is a chemical that has been used for many years as an insecticide, and it is still one of the best methods for killing ants without using harsh chemicals.
Does Borax Kill Ants?
When used correctly, Borax is a very effective ant killer. In fact, it’s so effective that many commercial ant killers contain Borax as their main active ingredient.
The naturally occurring mineral borax, also called sodium tetraborate, has a number of uses. With its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, it is commonly used as a disinfectant and insecticide.
Borax is very inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores, big-box stores such as Walmart and Target, as well as online. Because it is an effective laundry detergent booster, it is often located in the laundry supply aisle.
How Does Borax Work?
Borax works by causing dehydration in ants. When the ants consume Borax, it interferes with their digestive system and prevents them from absorbing water.
This leads to dehydration and death. However, it should be noted that Borax is a slow-acting poison. So don’t expect the ants to die immediately after consuming it.
It may take a few hours or even days for the full effect to kick in. But eventually, all of the ants that have consumed the Borax will die.
Is Borax Safe to Use?
Yes, Borax is safe to use around humans and pets. However, it is important to keep it out of reach of children as it can be harmful if consumed in large quantities.
Borax is also safe for the environment and will not harm plants or animals.
How to Use Borax to Kill Ants
There are a few different ways that you can use Borax to kill ants. The most common method is to mix it with sugar and water to create a bait solution. The ants will be attracted to the sugar and then consume the Borax which will eventually kill them.
Another method is to simply sprinkle some Borax near the ants’ nest. The ants will walk through the Borax and consume it, leading to their death.
The type of ants that Borax works best for is the common black ant. Borax is also effective against other types of ants, such as carpenter ants and Argentine ants.
How to Make a DIY Borax Insecticide
To use Borax to get rid of ants, you will need:
Borax Powder
a container for the Borax solution (e.g., a spray bottle, a bucket, or a jar)
water
paper towels or a cloth
Rubber gloves (optional, but recommended)
1. Mix one part Borax with three parts water in the container.
2. Wet down the areas where you have seen ants, or where you think they might be entering your home.
3. Pour the Borax solution over the wet areas.
4. Let the solution sit for about an hour.
5. Wipe up the Borax solution with paper towels or a cloth.
6. Repeat steps 2-5 as necessary until the ants are gone.
You can also make an “ant bait” by combining Borax with sugar. The ants will be attracted to the sugar, and they will ingest the Borax which will kill them.
Borax Ant Bait
To make ant bait:
1/2 cup Powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoon Borax
1/2 cup water
Mix together the bait for ants using Borax. To do this:
1. Mix one part sugar with one part Borax. Add the water.
2. Put the mixture on a plate or in a bowl.
3. Place the bait where you have seen ants, or where you think they might be entering your home.
4. Let the bait sit for a few days.
5. Wipe up the bait with paper towels or cloth as necessary.
6. Repeat steps 2-5 until the ants are gone.
Be sure to keep pets and children away from the bait, as it is toxic. Also, do not use this bait near any food areas.
It is important to note that Borax can be harmful if ingested. So, be sure to wear rubber gloves when handling Borax, and keep it out of the reach of children and pets. If you have any concerns, consult with a pest control professional before using Borax to get rid of ants.
If you have pets or small children, you may wish to use the water bottle ant killer method instead.
Boric Acid vs Borax for Ants
Boric acid and Borax are both effective at killing ants, but they work in different ways. Boric acid is a contact poison. This means that the ants have to come into direct contact with it in order to be killed.
Borax, on the other hand, is a stomach poison. This means that the ants will consume it and it will eventually kill them.
So which one is better? It really depends on the situation. If you’re dealing with an outdoor ant nest, Borax is a better option as the ants will consume it as they walk through it.
If you’re dealing with an indoor ant nest, boric acid is a better option as the ants will come into contact with it directly. Both boric acid and Borax are safe to use around humans and pets, but it is important to keep them out of reach of children.
How to Get Rid of Ants with Borax
Can you Get Rid of Ant Hills with Borax
Yes, you can get rid of ant hills with Borax. The ants will consume the Borax and it will eventually kill them. However, it may take a few days for the full effect to kick in.
To use Borax to kill ant hills, simply sprinkle it around the perimeter of the nest. The ants will walk through the Borax and eventually die. Borax is a safe and effective way to get rid of anthills. It’s also environmentally friendly and won’t harm plants or animals.
If you have children or pets, it’s important to keep the Borax out of reach as it can be harmful if consumed in large quantities.
See Also:
How to Kill Fire ants Naturally
How to Kill Carpenter Ants
Easy Non-Toxic Solution to Kill Ants
How to Get Rid of Ants Using Borax
Equipment
- piece of cardboard (optional)
- cottonballs (optional)
Materials
- ½ cup Powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoon Borax
- 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
Mix together the bait for ants using Borax. To do this:
- 1. Mix one part sugar with one part Borax. Add warm water, mixing well.½ cup Powdered sugar, 1 ½ tablespoon Borax
- 2. Put the mixture on a plate or in a bowl.
- 3. Place the bait where you have seen ants, or where you think they might be entering your home.
- 4. Let the bait sit for a few days.
- 5. Wipe up the bait with paper towels or cloth as necessary. Alternatively, the bait can be places on small squares of cardboard to make clean up faster.
- 6. Repeat steps 2-5 until the ants are gone.
