3. Add water slowly to create a syrup-like consistency. Ensure that the sugar and borax are fully dissolved.
4. Place the mixture in shallow containers or soak cotton balls in it and set them where you’ve noticed ant activity. Common places include under sinks, along kitchen counters, and along walls.
5. Replace the baits every few days to maintain effectiveness.
Why This Homemade Solution Works
The principle behind this solution is based on the ants’ inability to distinguish between the sugar and the borax. The sugar serves as a powerful lure, while the borax is a slow-acting poison. When ants discover the bait, they carry it back to their colony, sharing it with their fellows, including the queen. This not only kills the workers that come into direct contact with the mixture but can also eliminate the colony at its source. The slow action of the borax is crucial as it allows time for the ants to return to their nest and distribute the poisonous concoction among other ants before they die.
Implementing this simple, homemade ant killer effectively reduces ant populations within your home. It provides a safer alternative to chemical ant killers, ensuring your home remains a safe environ for all its inhabitants while dealing effectively with ant invasions.