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Every spring, as the temperatures rise, so do the number of uninvited guests in our homes—ants. They show up in kitchens, across porches, and even inside living rooms, searching for food and water.
If you’re tired of these tiny intruders marching through your home, there’s an easy, natural solution that doesn’t require harsh chemicals: a simple
What is Borax ?
Borax (sodium borate) is a naturally occurring mineral with a fascinating history and many interesting properties. This white, powdery substance primarily comprises sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. It is typically found in deposits formed from the evaporation of seawater or in lake beds, often in regions with a high mineral content such as the Mojave Desert in California.
Borax or sodium borate are the most common names for this powder, but they may also be referred to as boracic acid, soda borate, and disodium tetraborate. It is soluble in water, effective at dissolving dirt and grease, and has pH-stabilizing properties.
Borax has been a household staple for generations and is known for its effectiveness in tackling various cleaning challenges.
Why Use Borax as the Base of the Ant Trap?
Making a
The way it works is simple—ants are drawn to the bait, which is mixed with
How to Make Sweet Borax Ant Trap
A sweet
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon
borax
Mix the ingredients together, then soak cotton balls in the mixture for about a minute. Press them down to be sure they are thoroughly soaked.
Remove the cotton balls and place them on a flat surface with a low edge (like a yogurt container cover). The edge should be high enough to keep any liquid from spilling over but low enough that the ants can get over it and back to take their “food” home.
If you don’t have cotton balls, you can also heat your sugar/borax/water mixture till it reaches a simmer and it will thicken up. You can pour this directly into your lid or plate and skip the cotton balls.
How to Make a Savory Borax Ant Trap
A savory
- 1 Tablespoon Peanut Butter
- 1 Tablespoon
Borax - 2 Tablespoons warm water
Mix these ingredients together until well blended. Spoon out into your lid or container with a small lip (same as above).
This recipe will give you two generous spoonfuls that can be used to make two traps if desired.
Related: 8 All-Natural Homemade Cleaners You Can DIY at Home
How to Use Borax Ant Trap
No matter which method you use, placing your
If you have more than one ant hot spot, the recipes above offer more than enough to make 2 to 3 traps that can be placed in various locations.
Typically, the ants start congregating around this new source of food within an hour. Twelve hours later, they are gone, and your room is ant-free.
If the ants return, you may have to repeat the process after a week or so.
Remember that ants are attracted to water and food crumbs. Keep your space clean to ensure the ants gravitate toward the trap instead of other enticing options.
Read the original article on Homestead How-To: How to Make a Borax Ant Trap.
What is Borax ? 11 Surprising Ways to Use It at Home
11 Surprising Ways to Use It at Home
16 Germiest Places in Your Home That Need a Deep Clean
It’s easy to overlook the hidden areas that accumulate dirt and germs over time. These often-forgotten spots can turn into breeding grounds for pests and bacteria. Here’s a rundown of the dirtiest places in your home.
16 Germiest Places in Your Home That Need a Deep Clean
Ants Taking Over Your Raised Garden Beds? Here’s What You Can Do
Ants Taking Over Your Raised Garden Beds? Here’s What You Can Do
