When an army of ants invades your home, it’s important to find an effective solution. One option to consider is borax. When used correctly, borax and pesticides containing borax can help to kick ants out of your home. Check out how borax can help you eliminate an ant infestation.
What is Borax?
Borax, also called sodium tetraborate decahydrate, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is mined from the ground or collected from evaporite deposits. Borax is a white, odorless powder. It is often found in cosmetics and cleaning products. Borax can also be used in pesticides.
Does Borax Kill Ants?
Borax can help to get rid of ants. It isn’t a contact killer, so it has to be ingested to work. When ants eat borax, it messes with their digestive system. It gradually kills the ants, typically within 24-48 hours. However, ants aren’t attracted to borax. To trick them into eating it, borax needs to be mixed with attractants. Our No Spill Ant Kill and Ant Killer Bait are formulated with borax and food attractants to encourage ants to eat the bait.
Is Borax Safe to Use?
Our baits contain a low amount of borax. While it’s enough to be potent to pests, it is low toxicity for humans and furry family members. When used as directed, our No Spill Ant Kill and Ant Killer Bait are safe to use around children and pets. It’s important to always read and follow the directions on the label.
How Do Ant Baits Work?
Ant baits are a great way to get rid of ants because they target the ants you see and the ones you don’t. Worker ants are sent from the nest to find food for the colony. Since borax gradually kills ants, it gives them time to take the bait back to the nest. Once there, they share with other members of the colony. The bait will work its way through the colony, eliminating the source of the infestation.
Tips for Effective Ant Baiting
If you choose to use an ant bait, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure your ant baiting is successful.
- Place bait in areas where you have seen ants including near their trails. You can also place bait near entry points and around the perimeter of your house.
- Check the bait stations and the bait placements regularly. If the bait station is empty or if ants ate all of the bait, you’ll want to replace it.
- Remove other food sources so ants don’t get distracted. If ants find something else to eat, they may choose to skip the bait. Clean up crumbs and spills to prevent this from happening.
- If you are using insecticide sprays with repellent properties, don’t spray near the bait. This will deter ants from eating the bait.
- Be patient. Ants need time to take the bait back to the nest and share it with the colony. If you’re dealing with a large colony, it will take longer to eliminate the infestation.
Ants can be a pesky problem, but thankfully there are steps you can take to keep them away. If ants or other pests are bugging you, we have your back! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution.