Ants marching through your kitchen, bathroom, or along your baseboards? Before you reach for harsh chemical sprays, consider a natural and proven solution: ant bait with borax. It’s affordable, easy to make at home, and—when done correctly—can eliminate entire colonies by targeting the ants where they live.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make and use borax ant bait, how it works, why it’s so effective, and how to keep your home ant-free for good.
Why Use Ant Bait with Borax?
Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral that acts as a slow-acting poison for ants. It interferes with their digestive system and ultimately kills them—but not immediately. That’s actually what makes borax such a powerful solution.
Here’s how it works:
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Worker ants find the sweet borax bait and eat it.
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They carry the mixture back to the colony and feed it to the queen and other ants.
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Over several days, the entire colony is exposed, including ants you don’t see.
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The colony collapses, and the infestation ends.
Unlike sprays that only kill the ants you see, borax ant bait wipes out the root of the problem—the nest.
DIY Ant Bait with Borax: Step-by-Step Recipe
There are two main types of ant bait you can make at home: liquid bait and dry bait. Both are effective, and the choice often depends on your home’s environment and where you see ants.
1. Liquid Borax Ant Bait (Most Popular)
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 (jar lids, plastic caps, etc.)
Instructions:
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Mix sugar and borax in warm water until fully dissolved.
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Soak cotton balls in the solution.
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Place cotton balls in small containers or on wax paper.
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Set bait stations along ant trails, near windows, under sinks, or in cabinets.
Pro Tip: Label containers and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
2. Dry Borax Ant Bait (Less Messy)
Ingredients:
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3 parts sugar
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1 part borax powder
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Small shallow lids, wax paper, or plastic trays
Instructions:
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Mix sugar and borax well.
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Sprinkle small amounts where ants travel.
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Replace every 2–3 days to keep bait fresh.
Note: The dry version is better in low-moisture areas or for outdoor use under covered patios.
How Long Does Borax Ant Bait Take to Work?
Patience is key with borax ant bait. You may see increased ant activity at first—this is actually a good sign. It means they’re finding the bait and taking it back to the colony.
Typical timeline:
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Day 1–2: Ants swarm the bait.
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Day 3–5: Fewer ants appear as colony members begin to die.
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Day 7–10: Significant reduction or full elimination of the colony.
In heavy infestations, you may need to rebait for 2–3 weeks to fully wipe out the colony.
Where to Place Borax Ant Bait
Correct placement is everything. If ants can’t find the bait, they won’t bring it home to the nest.
Best bait station locations:
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Along visible ant trails
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Behind or under kitchen appliances
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Inside cabinets near food
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Beneath bathroom sinks
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Next to trash cans or compost bins
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Window sills and baseboards
Avoid placing bait directly on countertops where food is prepared. Always use a lid or tray.
Safety Tips When Using Borax for Ant Control
While borax is a naturally derived substance, it’s still a chemical and should be handled with care.
Follow these safety guidelines:
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Keep out of reach of children and pets.
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Use clearly labeled containers for bait.
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Avoid placing bait near food or pet dishes.
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Wash your hands after handling borax or bait.
If you’re concerned about safety, especially with small children or animals in the house, consider placing bait inside tamper-proof containers with tiny holes that only ants can enter.
Why the Sugar Matters
Sugar is the attractant that lures ants in. Worker ants are foragers, and many species are highly attracted to sugary substances.
Types of sugar you can use:
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White granulated sugar (most common)
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Honey
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Maple syrup
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Corn syrup
If one type doesn’t attract them, try switching it up. Some ants prefer different types of sugars, so you may need to experiment to find the best attractant.
What If the Ants Aren’t Taking the Bait?
Sometimes ants ignore your bait completely. Here’s what to do:
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Adjust the sugar-to-borax ratio. Start sweeter (3:1) and reduce sugar gradually.
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Try different sugar sources. Some ants prefer syrup or honey over granulated sugar.
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Move bait stations closer to where ants enter the home.
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Don’t clean their trails right away. Let them follow their scent trail to the bait.
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Avoid using sprays or deterrents that repel ants before they find the bait.
It may take a little trial and error, but once the ants find your borax bait, the process begins.
Borax Ant Bait vs. Store-Bought Products
| Feature | DIY Borax Bait | Commercial Ant Killers |
|---|---|---|
| Cost-effective | Yes | Can be expensive |
| Long-term results | Yes (kills entire colony) | Depends on product |
| Customizable ratios | Yes | No |
| Safer ingredients | More natural | May contain harsh chemicals |
| Requires setup | Yes | No (ready-to-use) |
DIY borax bait wins for budget, effectiveness, and control over ingredients. If you’re dealing with a tough infestation, commercial options can be a backup, but borax is a powerful first line of defense.
Final Thoughts
Making your own ant bait with borax is one of the most effective and affordable ways to eliminate ants naturally. By allowing ants to do the dirty work—carry the poison back to the nest—you target the entire colony, not just the foragers.
With the right mixture, correct placement, and a bit of patience, you can take back control of your space and enjoy an ant-free home in just a few days.
Ready to get started? Mix up a batch of borax and sugar ant bait today, and let nature do the rest. Want more natural pest control tips? Bookmark this guide and check back for updates.