Ants might be tiny, but when they invade your home looking for food or shelter, they can become a real problem.
What starts with just a few can quickly turn into a full-blown colony, and if you don’t act fast, it can get out of hand. Thankfully, there’s a simple homemade trick that’s not only natural but incredibly effective—it can wipe out an entire ant colony in just minutes.
This method uses a borax-based solution that’s quick to prepare and works fast, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Let’s walk through how to make this powerful ant-killing bait and use it the right way.
How to Make an Effective Homemade Ant Poison
What You’ll Need:
- Borax
This is the main active ingredient. It’s a natural mineral that acts as a slow-acting poison for ants. When they eat it, it damages their digestive systems and eventually kills them. Better yet, worker ants carry the poison back to the colony, sharing it with the rest—so it’s not just a few ants that die, but the entire colony. - Granulated Sugar
Sugar acts as the bait. Ants are naturally drawn to sweet things, so mixing in sugar ensures they’ll be tempted to take the poison home with them. Regular table sugar works just fine. - Water
This helps dissolve the borax and sugar, creating a liquid bait that’s easy to work with and place where needed. - Cotton Balls or Cardboard Pieces
You’ll need something to hold the bait. Cotton balls are great for soaking it up, while small bits of cardboard can be used to spread it out. - A Mixing Container
Use a bowl or any small container to mix your ingredients—just make sure it’s big enough to stir without spilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Mix the Bait
In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of borax, ½ cup of sugar, and 1 cup of hot water. Stir until both the sugar and borax are fully dissolved. - Prepare the Traps
Soak cotton balls in the mixture, or spoon it onto small pieces of cardboard. These will act as your bait stations. - Place the Bait
Set the soaked cotton balls or bait-covered cardboard in spots where you’ve noticed ant traffic—kitchen counters, windowsills, doorways, or cracks where ants are sneaking in.
How It Works
Ants are lured in by the sweet scent of sugar and carry the toxic mix back to their nest. Once shared among the colony, the borax begins to work, killing off ants from the inside out. You may start seeing results within hours, but to make sure the whole colony is wiped out, it’s best to leave the bait in place for several days.
This natural remedy is not only simple and safe, but also incredibly effective. With just a few common ingredients, you can reclaim your home—without turning to harsh chemical sprays.
Bonus Tips for Best Results
- Find the Entry Points
Watch where the ants are coming from—window cracks, under doors, or near baseboards. Place bait near those spots to intercept them early. - Keep It Fresh
If the bait dries out or the ants stop showing interest, replace it with a fresh batch. Ants are less likely to take dried-out bait. - Keep It Out of Reach
Even though borax is natural, it can still be harmful if eaten in large amounts. Make sure the bait is placed where kids and pets can’t get to it. - Don’t Clean Up Trails Right Away
Ants leave behind chemical trails to guide others to food. If you wipe away those paths too soon, new ants may not find the bait. Wait a few days before cleaning. - Seal Up Entry Points Afterward
Once the ants are gone, prevent future invasions by sealing cracks and gaps with caulk or silicone. - Watch the Nest
If you’ve spotted the nest, monitor it. Less activity over a few days usually means the poison is doing its job.