How to Use Borax to Kill Sugar Ants and Prevent Future Infestations | King County Exterminators

How to Use Borax to Kill Sugar Ants and Prevent Future Infestations

If you’re dealing with a sugar ant infestation in your home, you know how persistent these tiny invaders can be. One of the most effective and affordable solutions for getting rid of sugar ants is using Borax. This common household product is not only eco-friendly but also deadly to ants when used properly. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use Borax to kill sugar ants and prevent future infestations, all while keeping your family and pets safe.


What is Borax and Why Is It Effective Against Sugar Ants?

Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral that can be found in many household cleaning products. It’s non-toxic to humans and pets in small quantities but deadly to ants and other pests. When sugar ants ingest Borax, it disrupts their digestive system, ultimately leading to their death. Borax works by interfering with the ants’ ability to absorb food and water, which is why it’s so effective at killing them.

Not only does Borax kill individual ants, but it can also be carried back to the colony by worker ants, where it can eliminate the entire nest. This makes Borax an incredibly powerful tool for tackling ant infestations at their source.

How to Use Borax to Kill Sugar Ants

1. Make a Simple Borax Ant Bait

The first step in using Borax to kill sugar ants is to make an ant bait that the ants will find irresistible. This method is effective because it targets the ants at their source— the colony. Worker ants bring the bait back to the nest, poisoning the queen and the rest of the colony.

Steps to Make Borax Ant Bait:

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup of sugar (to attract the ants)
    • 1 tablespoon of Borax
    • 1/2 cup of water
  • Instructions:
    1. In a small bowl, mix sugar and Borax together.
    2. Add water to create a syrupy mixture.
    3. Place the bait in shallow containers or use cotton balls soaked in the solution.
    4. Place the bait along known ant trails and areas where you’ve seen ants, such as near food sources, cracks, or doorways.
    5. Allow the ants to carry the bait back to their colony.

Over time, this method will help eliminate not only the visible ants but also the hidden nest.

2. Use Borax with Peanut Butter for Effective Bait

If the sugar ant bait isn’t drawing in enough ants, you can use peanut butter as an alternative baiting ingredient. The fats and proteins in peanut butter are equally attractive to ants, making it a perfect complement to Borax.

How to Make Peanut Butter Borax Bait:

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
    • 1 tablespoon of Borax
    • 1 teaspoon of water
  • Instructions:
    1. Mix the peanut butter and Borax together in a bowl.
    2. Add a little bit of water to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
    3. Apply small dabs of the mixture on pieces of wax paper or cotton balls.
    4. Place the bait near entry points or ant trails.

Ants are likely to be drawn to the bait quickly, carrying it back to the colony and triggering a wider infestation reduction.

3. Preventing Future Sugar Ant Infestations with Borax

Borax not only helps to kill sugar ants but also plays a role in preventing future infestations. By regularly applying Borax in areas where ants are likely to enter or gather food, you can create a barrier that will keep ants from returning.

Preventative Borax Application Tips:

  • Seal Entry Points: Before using Borax, ensure you seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows where ants could enter your home.
  • Apply Borax along Ant Trails: If you notice ant trails, sprinkle a thin layer of Borax powder along their path. The powder can deter ants from returning to that route.
  • Regular Maintenance: Use Borax periodically in areas where ants are likely to be active. This can act as a preventative measure to ensure sugar ants don’t invade your home again.

By consistently applying Borax to common entry points and food storage areas, you’ll have a more long-term solution to sugar ant problems.

4. Is Borax Safe for Pets and Children?

One of the major concerns when using pest control methods is ensuring that they are safe for pets and children. While Borax is non-toxic in small quantities, it should still be used with care.

Safety Tips:

  • Use Borax in Safe Locations: Place bait in areas that are out of reach of children and pets. This will minimize the risk of exposure.
  • Avoid Direct Contact: While Borax is safe for humans in small amounts, you should avoid letting it come into direct contact with skin. Always wash your hands after handling Borax.
  • Monitor Ant Bait: Keep a close eye on the baited areas to ensure that children or pets do not ingest the Borax mixture.

When used responsibly, Borax is a safe, effective solution for eliminating sugar ants in your home.

Kill Sugar Ants and Keep Them Away with Borax

Using Borax to kill sugar ants is an affordable, effective, and safe solution that can help you eliminate an infestation and prevent future problems. By following the steps outlined above, you can tackle both visible sugar ants and the hidden colony. Whether you’re dealing with a minor issue or a full-scale infestation, Borax offers a natural alternative to chemical pesticides.

For homeowners and businesses in King County, WA, if your ant problem persists or you need expert assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional pest control service. With the right tools and knowledge, you can protect your property from future infestations and keep your home pest-free for good.

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