It’s never fun seeing ants crawling around your home. When these pests invade, it’s important to choose an effective solution. Baits are one option that work well to control ant problems, and the only option to ultimately get rid of the source of the problem, the colony. Understanding how baits work will make it easier to kick ants out of your home. Check out how ant baits work to eliminate an infestation.
What Are Ant Baits?
Ant baits are designed to attract and kill ants, and they must be ingested to work. They are formulated with an insecticide ingredient and attractants. Our No Spill Ant Kill bait stations and our Ant Killer Bait contain borax and food attractants. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that messes with the digestive system of ants, resulting in their death.
How Does Ant Bait Work?
Worker ants are sent from the nest to find food for the colony. Ants are attracted to the food ingredients in baits. When they find a good food source—the bait—they release pheromones that lead other ants to it. Ants will eat the bait and take it back to the nest where they share with the rest of the colony. Baits are designed to gradually kill ants, giving them time to return the nest. This allows the bait to spread throughout the colony, ultimately eliminating the source of the infestation.
How Fast Do Ant Baits Work?
Ant baits can work within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the colony and the type of active ingredient used in the bait. The larger the colony, the longer it will take to eliminate an infestation. If ants are going to the bait, then you know the bait is still working. Over time, you will notice fewer ants near the bait. When the bait has spread throughout the colony, the ants will disappear from your home.
How to Use Ant Baits
Whenever you use insecticides, it’s important to set yourself up for success. Check out a few tips for effective ant baiting.
- Eliminate Other Food Sources: Before setting out bait, you’ll want to check your home for potential food sources and remove any you find. If ants find another food source, like crumbs, they’ll be less likely to go to the bait.
- Choose the Right Bait: Ants aren’t picky eaters, but their food preferences can change throughout the year. Usually, a bait with sugar will do the trick. However, in spring and early summer, some ant species may be looking for protein instead. To determine which ant bait you need, put a dap of peanut butter and jelly on an index card near ant trails and see which one attracts the ants.
- Place the Bait: You’ll want to place the bait near trailing ants or in areas in your home where ants have been seen. If you have found the nest, you can place bait near it as well. You want to make it as easy as possible for the ants to find the bait.
- Monitor the Bait Placements: Regularly check the bait stations or bait placements. You want to ensure ants have a fresh supply of bait. If the bait has been depleted and ants are still present, replace the bait. If the bait has dried out, you can add a few drops of water to moisten it.
When pests show up in your home, it’s important to choose an effective solution. Baits can help to kill the ants you see and the ones in the nest, helping to eliminate an infestation. If you’re dealing with ants, we have your back! For a more environmentally and family-friendly solution, check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products.