Eliminate Ant Infestations Permanently from Your Household and Backyard with Just Three Simple Items
Ant Control: An Easy, Chemical-Free Solution
Say goodbye to uninvited six-legged roommates without breaking the bank! Say hello to Salty Acres's ant-annihilating method that ditches expensive, harsh chemicals. Here's a step-by-step guide to rid your home of these intruders.
1. Gather Your Tools
You'll need three essential items: borax, sugar, and hot water. Grab a small bowl for mixing. Borax is usually found in the laundry aisle, making it a convenient ant-killer doubler. Any type of sugar will do the trick.
The key is to create a sweet syrup that ants can't resist. The sugar lures them in, while the borax handles the dirty work. The optimum ratio is about one spoonful of borax to one spoonful of sugar, and three spoonfuls of hot water. The balance ensures the syrup remains sweet enough to attract ants without alerting them to their final repast.
2. Syrup Time
Pour your borax and sugar into the bowl, then carefully add hot water-just enough to create a thick syrup. Stir well until everything dissolves smoothly. The smoother the mixture, the better it will soak into whatever you're using to serve it - cotton balls, paper towels, cardboard scraps, or even a plastic lid.
Hot water dissolves borax faster than cold water. Skipping the heat may result in a mess that ants will avoid like a bad Yelp review.
3. Ant Bait Time
Now for the fun part. If you know where the ants are originating, nudge the trail, lift a pot, or light tap near the entry point. The goal isn't to scare them away-it's to awaken them. Ants work like a GPS system, and if you stir the pot, they start communicating. That's your moment.
Pour the syrup directly on or near their trail. You don't need to drown the area, just a small puddle like Salty Acres did, or a saturated cotton ball where they're active. They'll swarm it like it's a free sample at Costco. They'll drink it, bring it back to their colony, and in about 24 hours, most of them will be gone.
Why It's Effective
Borax isn't some alien substance. It's natural mineral called sodium borate which has been used in household cleaners and DIY recipes for decades. When ants ingest it, it interferes with their digestive systems and eventually shuts them down. They don't die instantly, which is beneficial because if they did, they wouldn't be able to return to the nest to share the news.
This method eradicates not just visible scouts but the entire colony-from the queen to the colony's babies and those that somehow find their way into your cereal box despite the seal.
Safety Precautions
Although it's natural, it doesn't mean it's edible for everyone. Keep the mixture out of reach of pets, children, and curious toddlers. Borax isn't something you want in their digestive system unless they have six legs and a nasty attitude.
Place the bait in shallow containers or on unreachable surfaces, especially indoors. In gardens, place it in hidden corners or under pots.
The Author
- Bonnie Ferrero Bonnie's interests include hiking, cooking, gardening, and home decorating. These hobbies allow her to express her creativity and connect with nature, providing a holistic balance to her busy life. Through her professional achievements, community involvement, and personal pursuits, she embodies a comprehensive approach to life, dedicated to growth, service, and overall well-being.
- Bonnie, an avid home-and-garden enthusiast, also enjoys beautifying her outdoor space with various decor elements. She meticulously maintains her garden to support a thriving ecosystem.
- Between her busy schedule and love for pets, Bonnie finds joy in the company of her furry friends. Her cat and dog are regular companions in her home lifestyle, bringing laughter and warmth.
- As Bonnie continues to excel in her fields of interest, she is planning to share practical tips for garden maintenance, interior decor, and pet care in an upcoming series on a popular home-and-garden blog.