Borax is a popular and effective remedy for getting rid of ant infestations. But how quickly does it actually work to kill the ants? Here’s a look at how borax kills ants and how long it takes to eliminate an ant problem.
What is borax?
Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral compound. It’s often used as a household cleaner and laundry booster. However, borax is toxic to ants and can be used to kill ant colonies.
Borax contains the element boron, which is harmful to insects. When ants ingest borax, it disrupts their digestive system and slowly kills them. It also acts as a desiccant, drying out the ants’ exoskeleton.
How does borax kill ants?
There are a few ways that borax kills and eliminates ants:
- When ants walk through borax, the powder sticks to their legs and bodies. As they groom themselves, they ingest the borax.
- Ants are attracted to sugary baits. Sprinkling borax onto sweet syrups or mixing it with sugar creates toxic bait that worker ants will carry back to the nest and share.
- Eating the borax causes physiological damage inside the ants’ digestive systems, eventually killing them.
- As more ants feed on the bait and die, it also kills off the queen(s), ultimately destroying the entire colony.
How long does it take for borax to kill ants?
Borax does not kill ants instantly, but takes some time to work. Here is an approximate timeline of how long it takes borax baits and treatments to kill ants:
- 1-3 days: Worker ants begin ingesting borax baits and are impacted.
- 1 week: Ant activity starts to decline as the borax spreads through the colony.
- 2 weeks: The queen ant is usually killed, preventing the colony from replenishing itself.
- 3-4 weeks: Remaining ants die off and the infestation is eliminated.
However, the exact timeline depends on factors like the size of the colony, type of ants, and where the nest is located. A very large colony with multiple queens may take longer for the borax to fully work.
Tips for using borax to kill ants quickly
Here are some tips to help borax work faster and more effectively:
- Use very small amounts of borax mixed into sugary baits – too much will repel ants.
- Sprinkle borax powder along ant trails and entry points.
- Apply borax along baseboards, under appliances, and in other places ants are active.
- Reapply borax baits and treatments regularly until ant activity stops.
- Pair borax with other ant killers like diatomaceous earth for added impact.
- Use borax as part of a comprehensive treatment plan including sanitation and physical barriers.
Mixing up borax ant baits
The most effective way to use borax for ants is mixing it with sugary bait. This allows worker ants to carry the poison back to feed the rest of the colony. Here are some suggested recipes for borax ant bait:
Simple sugar borax bait
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon borax powder
Mix the ingredients together well. Sprinkle around areas where ants are seen.
Sweet liquid borax bait
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons borax powder
Stir the sugar into the warm water until dissolved. Mix in the borax powder. Soak cotton balls in the liquid and place near ant trails.
Peanut butter borax bait
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon borax powder
Mix the peanut butter and borax together into a paste. Put small amounts on pieces of cardboard near ant activity.
Safety tips when using borax
While borax is a natural mineral, it can be hazardous if handled improperly. Keep these safety guidelines in mind:
- Always read and follow label instructions carefully.
- Avoid inhaling borax dust.
- Wear gloves and wash hands after applying borax baits.
- Use extreme caution around food prep areas.
- Keep borax away from children and pets.
- Don’t apply borax to countertops, dishes or anywhere food is prepared.
When to call an exterminator
While borax can eliminate ant infestations in many cases, sometimes a professional exterminator is needed. Call an exterminator if:
- Ants reappear within days of treatment.
- You see swarmers or winged ants, indicating a very large colony.
- Ants are identified as carpenter ants and may be nesting in wood.
- The infestation persists after several weeks of borax treatments.
- Ants are entering the home from an outside nest or source you can’t locate.
Exterminators have industrial-strength chemicals and expertise locating and eliminating ant colonies. This may be needed for a severe, embedded infestation.
Other methods for killing ants quickly
Borax is one of the most effective DIY options for killing ants. However, there are some other remedies and methods that can provide quick and natural ant control:
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder made from crushed fossils of aquatic organisms. DE kills ants by absorbing the protective oils on their exoskeletons and dehydrating them. Sprinkle DE along baseboards, windowsills, and other ant entry points.
Ant traps
Pre-made ant killer traps contain borax or other insecticides mixed with a sweet bait. The ants take the bait back to the nest to kill the colony. Use enough traps near ant trails and nest access points.
Essential oils
Some essential oils like peppermint, lemon, and tea tree oil naturally deter ants. Mix a few drops into a spray bottle of water and spray onto surfaces, entry points, and anywhere ants are active.
Baking soda
Baking soda can disrupt ant acidity and digestion. Sprinkle it around outdoor nests, windowsills, sidewalk cracks and other areas ants congregate.
White vinegar
Wipe up ant trails and clean surfaces with white vinegar, which eliminates pheromone trails. You can also spray it directly onto ants to kill them instantly.
How to prevent future ant infestations
After eliminating an ant problem with borax, implement these ant prevention tips to help discourage ants from re-entering your home:
- Store food in airtight containers and clean up spills right away.
- Take out the trash regularly.
- Fix leaks and eliminate standing water sources.
- Seal entry points like cracks and holes.
- Trim back tree branches and vegetation touching the home.
- Apply repellents like cinnamon, mint oil or vinegar around the perimeter.
- Use borax or DE as a preventive barrier near entry points.
Conclusion
Borax is an affordable, low-toxicity solution for killing ants. It requires some patience, as it may take 1-4 weeks to fully eliminate an ant colony. Combining borax with sugary bait helps attract worker ants that will ingest the toxin and carry it back to destroy the rest of the colony. With strategic indoor and outdoor usage and some sensible safety measures, borax can provide effective and eco-friendly ant control.