When ants become unwelcome guests, many consider using borax for control. Ants do not eat borax directly; it must be mixed with an attractive food source to be effective. This method leverages ants’ natural foraging behaviors to manage their populations.
How Borax Works on Ants
Worker ants, typically those seen foraging, consume the bait containing borax. Once ingested, the borax interacts with the ant’s internal systems, primarily affecting its digestive tract.
The active ingredient in borax, boron, disrupts the ant’s metabolic processes. Within the ant’s gut, borax converts into boric acid, which acts as a slow-acting stomach poison. This interferes with the ant’s ability to extract nutrients and energy from its food, leading to a gradual decline in health. The slow onset of effects is important for the strategy’s success.
Because borax does not kill ants instantly, affected worker ants have time to carry the contaminated bait back to their colony. They share the bait with other colony members, including the queen and larvae, through a process called trophallaxis. This widespread distribution throughout the colony, rather than just eliminating individual foragers, ultimately leads to a significant reduction or eradication of the entire ant population.
Creating Borax Ant Baits
Crafting an effective borax ant bait involves combining borax with a food source that ants find appealing. Common attractants include sugar, honey, jam, or peanut butter, depending on the ant species’ preferences. The key is to use a low concentration of borax. If the concentration is too high, ants may die before they can carry the bait back to the nest, or they might detect the toxicity and avoid it entirely.
A common liquid bait recipe involves mixing about 1 part borax with 3 to 4 parts sugar, then dissolving this mixture in warm water to create a syrup. For a solid bait, a ratio of 1 part borax to 3 parts powdered sugar can be used, often with a small amount of water added to form a paste. Another option is combining 3 parts peanut butter with 1 part borax for protein-loving ants. Warm water helps to thoroughly dissolve the borax and sugar, ensuring a consistent bait solution.
Safe Application of Borax Baits
When using borax baits, careful placement is important to protect household members and non-target animals. Keep the prepared baits out of reach of children and pets.
Utilizing secure bait stations can provide an added layer of safety, preventing accidental ingestion by curious hands or paws while still allowing ants access. Place these stations strategically where ants are observed, such as along their trails or near entry points into the home. After preparing or placing baits, it is advisable to wash hands thoroughly. Proper disposal of any leftover bait is also a consideration to prevent unintended exposure.