Dealing with ants in your kitchen, bathroom, or backyard can be incredibly frustrating. But before you reach for expensive pest control sprays, there’s a simple, affordable, and powerful solution you can try at home: borax and sugar for ants.
This DIY method has been trusted for decades and works by targeting the ant colony at its source. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how borax and sugar kill ants, how to mix it correctly, where to place it, and how to get the best long-term results.
Why Use Borax and Sugar to Kill Ants?
Borax (sodium borate) is a natural mineral that works as a slow-acting poison for ants. It disrupts their digestive system, eventually killing them. The key to this method is delayed action—it allows the worker ants to carry the poisoned bait back to the colony and queen, which is what makes it so effective for long-term ant control.
Sugar, on the other hand, is the attractant. Ants love sugary substances, and mixing borax with sugar makes it irresistible. The ants unknowingly bring it back to the colony, sealing their fate.
How Does the Borax and Sugar Ant Bait Work?
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
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Ants are drawn to the sugar and consume the bait.
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They carry it back to their nest to feed the queen and larvae.
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Borax slowly poisons the ants, killing the entire colony over several days.
This method is particularly effective for sweet-eating ants like Argentine ants, odorous house ants, and pavement ants.
DIY Borax and Sugar Recipe for Ants
Creating your own borax ant killer at home is simple and requires just a few ingredients.
Basic Borax and Sugar Ant Bait Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup white sugar
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1 1/2 tablespoons borax powder
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1 1/2 cups warm water
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Cotton balls or paper towels
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Small containers or jar lids
Instructions:
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Mix the borax and sugar in warm water until fully dissolved.
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Soak cotton balls in the solution.
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Place the soaked cotton balls in jar lids, shallow containers, or directly on wax paper.
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Set the traps near ant trails, entry points, and areas where ants are frequently seen.
Dry Borax and Sugar Ant Bait (No Water):
If you want something easier to manage or less messy:
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Mix 3 parts sugar with 1 part borax powder.
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Place the dry mixture in small containers or directly along ant trails.
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Use a piece of cardboard or wax paper as a platform.
Both liquid and dry versions work well—choose the one that fits your environment best.
Where to Place Your Borax and Sugar Traps
Location is everything. If ants can’t find the bait, they won’t take it back to the colony.
Best places to set traps:
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Along ant trails (watch where they travel)
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Near cracks in walls or floorboards
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Around baseboards, windows, and door frames
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Behind kitchen appliances
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Under sinks or near trash bins
Pro tip: Clean the area first, removing any competing food sources so the bait is their only option.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Patience is key with borax and sugar traps. You might see an increase in ant activity within the first day or two—that’s a good sign. It means they’ve found the bait and are bringing it back.
What to expect:
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Day 1–2: You’ll see more ants as they swarm the bait.
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Day 3–5: Ant numbers should begin to decrease.
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Day 7+: The colony will start to collapse.
For larger infestations, it may take two weeks or more to completely eliminate the ants. Replace bait every few days to keep it fresh and effective.
Is Borax Safe to Use Around Pets and Kids?
Borax is not safe to ingest, especially in large amounts. Always use caution when placing baits:
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Keep traps out of reach of pets and small children.
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Use secure containers with small holes that only ants can enter.
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Label any homemade baits clearly and store borax in a safe place.
While it’s a more natural option than commercial pesticides, borax should still be treated as a chemical—safe to use, but with care.
Borax vs. Commercial Ant Killers
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Borax & Sugar Bait | Commercial Ant Killers |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-effective | Yes | Often more expensive |
| Long-term effectiveness | Yes (targets colony) | Varies (some only kill on contact) |
| Customizable | Yes (DIY control) | No |
| Pet-safe (with caution) | Yes | Depends on brand |
| Eco-friendly | More natural | Often includes harsh chemicals |
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and effective solution, borax and sugar is an excellent choice.
Tips for Better Results
To make sure your borax ant traps work efficiently, keep these tips in mind:
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Don’t kill visible ants. Let them carry the bait home.
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Avoid cleaning trails with vinegar or bleach until after treatment. Ants follow scent trails to find food sources.
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Use multiple bait stations around your home to target different colonies.
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Seal entry points after the infestation is under control to prevent re-entry.
What If the Ants Aren’t Taking the Bait?
Sometimes ants ignore the bait. Here’s what to do:
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Try a different sugar-to-borax ratio. Start with more sugar (3:1) and reduce it over time.
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Add honey or syrup if ants aren’t attracted to granulated sugar.
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Make sure the borax is mixed thoroughly and not clumped.
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Place bait closer to their path—ants won’t go far off-course.
It can take some trial and error, especially with picky ant species, but adjustments usually solve the issue.
Conclusion
If you’re battling a stubborn ant infestation, borax and sugar is one of the simplest and most effective DIY solutions available. It’s affordable, easy to mix, and best of all—it works by targeting the entire colony, not just the worker ants you see.
With the right ratio, smart placement, and a bit of patience, this natural method can wipe out your ant problem completely. Just remember to handle borax with care, keep pets and children away from bait stations, and be consistent in your application.
Ready to get started? Mix up a batch of borax and sugar bait today and take control of your ant problem—the natural way.