Borax, a naturally occurring mineral, has long been a common household item used for cleaning. Beyond cleaning, it also functions as an effective agent in pest control, particularly against ants. Understanding how borax acts on these insects reveals its effectiveness. This article explains how borax eliminates ants, its application, and safety precautions.
The Science Behind Borax’s Lethality
Borax, chemically known as sodium tetraborate decahydrate (Na2B4O7 • 10H2O), is a compound of sodium, boron, and oxygen. When ants ingest borax, it primarily disrupts their digestive system, preventing them from properly processing food. This hinders the ant’s ability to extract energy from food.
The boron ions within borax affect the activity of enzymes for energy metabolism. Borax can form stable complexes with components of glucose, protein, and fat, which are essential for energy production. This process inhibits the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme essential for cellular energy pathways, leading to a decrease in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and potential mitochondrial dysfunction.
While primarily disrupting digestion and metabolism, borax also contributes to dehydration. Although some related compounds like boric acid can physically damage an insect’s exoskeleton, borax primarily causes internal dehydration once ingested. The lethal effect of borax is not immediate, crucial for its success in ant control. This delayed action allows worker ants to carry the bait back to their colony before succumbing.
Effective Application Methods
To eliminate an ant colony, borax must be formulated as a bait that ants will readily consume and transport. Borax is typically mixed with a sweet attractant, such as sugar or honey, to entice the ants. The concentration of borax in this bait is important for colony elimination. If the concentration is too high, ants may die before they can return to the nest, preventing wider distribution of the toxicant. Conversely, a concentration that is too low may not be effective.
A common bait ratio is one part borax to five parts sugar and three parts water. This low concentration allows worker ants to carry the bait back to the colony. Once inside the nest, the bait is shared with other ants, including the queen and larvae, through trophallaxis (liquid food exchange). This spreads borax throughout the colony, leading to its eradication. Place baits near ant trails or entry points.
Ensuring Safe Use
While effective against ants, borax is toxic if ingested by humans or pets. Ingestion can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Direct contact can also cause skin and eye irritation. Careful handling and placement are necessary.
All borax products and prepared baits should be stored securely out of reach of children and pets. When preparing borax baits, wearing gloves is advisable to prevent skin contact, and hands should be thoroughly washed afterward. Baits must always be placed in areas inaccessible to children and pets, such as behind appliances or in secured bait stations. Proper disposal of any unused bait or empty containers is also important to prevent accidental exposure.