Sugar ants are a common nuisance in warm, humid climates like South Florida. If you’ve noticed these tiny pests crawling across your kitchen counters or inside your pantry, you’re likely wondering how to get rid of them for good.
One of the most effective and affordable DIY methods for eliminating sugar ants is using borax-based baits. Borax works by disrupting the ants’ digestive system, allowing worker ants to carry the bait back to the colony, eliminating the queen and the rest of the nest.
At On Demand Pest Control, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Florida eliminate sugar ant infestations. This guide walks you through the best ways to use borax, plus prevention tips to stop ants from returning.
How to Use Borax to Get Rid of Sugar Ants
Using borax for sugar ant control is simple. Just prepare an effective bait, place it strategically, and let the ants do the work.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Here’s what you’ll need to create a borax-based ant bait:
✔️ Borax (sodium borate) – Available at most hardware or grocery stores.
✔️ Sugar or powdered sugar – Acts as the attractant.
✔️ Warm water – Helps dissolve the borax and sugar.
✔️ Cotton balls or bottle caps – To hold the bait.
✔️ Peanut butter (optional) – A protein-rich alternative for ants that prefer fats.
Step 2: Prepare the Borax Bait
Liquid Borax Bait (For Sweet-Loving Ants)
- Mix 1 cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of borax, and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Stir until fully dissolved.
- Soak cotton balls in the solution and place them near ant trails.
Solid Borax Bait (For Dry Applications)
- Mix equal parts sugar and borax to create a dry bait.
- Sprinkle it lightly along ant trails or place it inside bottle caps.
Peanut Butter Borax Bait (For Protein-Seeking Ants)
- Mix 3 parts peanut butter with 1 part borax to create a paste.
- Place in small containers or directly along trails.
Step 3: Set Up Bait Stations
✔️ Place the bait directly along ant trails, near windows, doors, and pantry areas.
✔️ Position baits out of reach of children and pets.
✔️ Use multiple bait stations for better coverage.
🚨 Tip: Don’t kill ants on sight! Worker ants need time to carry the bait back to the colony, ensuring the queen and other ants are eliminated.
Step 4: Monitor and Replace Bait Regularly
- Check bait stations daily and replenish as needed.
- Expect to see more ants initially—this means the bait is working.
- Most infestations clear up within 1-2 weeks if treated consistently.
🚨 Tip: If ants avoid one type of bait, try switching between liquid, solid, or peanut butter baits.
Why Does Borax Work to Kill Ants?
Borax is highly effective because it disrupts an ant’s digestive system, eventually killing them. The worker ants carry the bait back to the colony, ensuring the entire nest is eliminated—including the queen.
Borax works well against:
✔️ Sugar ants
✔️ Black ants
✔️ Argentine ants
✔️ Carpenter ants (to a lesser extent)
However, fire ants and other aggressive species may require stronger treatments.
🚨 Need help with a severe ant problem? Contact On Demand Pest Control today!
Alternative DIY Ant Control Methods
If borax isn’t an option, try these other natural remedies:
1. Baking Soda & Sugar
- Works similarly to borax by disrupting ant digestion.
- Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar and place it along trails.
2. Diatomaceous Earth
- A natural powder that damages ants’ exoskeletons, leading to dehydration.
- Sprinkle lightly near entry points and along baseboards.
3. Essential Oils (Natural Repellents)
- Ants hate peppermint, tea tree, and citrus oils.
- Mix 10 drops of oil with water and spray along ant trails.
4. Commercial Ant Traps
- Store-bought bait stations work similarly to borax baits.
- Place near entry points for effective results.
🚨 Tip: For severe infestations, DIY methods may not be enough—professional pest control is often the best solution.
How to Prevent Sugar Ants from Returning
Once you’ve eliminated the ants, take these steps to keep them from coming back:
1. Store Food Properly
✔️ Use airtight containers for sugar, flour, and dry goods.
✔️ Clean up crumbs and spills immediately.
2. Eliminate Water Sources
✔️ Fix leaky pipes and faucets.
✔️ Wipe up standing water in sinks and bathrooms.
3. Seal Entry Points
✔️ Use caulk to seal cracks around doors, windows, and walls.
✔️ Keep kitchen and pantry areas clutter-free.
4. Disrupt Ant Trails
✔️ Clean countertops with vinegar or soapy water to erase scent trails.
✔️ Wipe down baseboards and entryways regularly.
5. Control Outdoor Ant Populations
✔️ Trim back vegetation touching your home.
✔️ Control aphids on plants (they produce honeydew, which attracts ants).
🚨 Tip: Scheduling quarterly pest control treatments ensures long-term ant prevention.
Still Seeing Sugar Ants? When to Call a Professional
Borax baits work well for mild to moderate ant infestations, but severe infestations require expert help.
Signs You Need Professional Pest Control
❌ Ants keep returning despite using borax and other DIY methods.
❌ Large ant colonies near kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor areas.
❌ Multiple ant species infesting your home.
At On Demand Pest Control, we offer:
✔️ Targeted ant treatments that eliminate entire colonies.
✔️ Preventative solutions to keep ants from returning.
✔️ Safe, effective pest control for homes and businesses in South Florida.
📞 Contact us today for expert ant control and long-term pest prevention!
