How long does borax bait take to work?
It depends on the ant species, the size of the colony, and whether the nest is indoors or outdoors. Often you will see heavier ant traffic for 1 to 3 days, then it tapers off. Many small infestations improve within 3 to 7 days, but bigger situations can take 1 to 2 weeks or longer. Some ants (like carpenter ants or colonies nesting outdoors) may take longer, and you may need multiple placements.
Why are there more ants after I put the bait out?
That is often a good sign. You put out a sweet buffet and they called their friends. Let them feed and carry it back. If you wipe them up immediately, you are basically interrupting the delivery.
What ratio of borax to sugar should I use?
A safe starting point for a homemade bait is lots of sugar, a little borax. This recipe uses 1/2 cup sugar to 1 1/2 teaspoons borax for a liquid bait. Too much borax can make ants avoid it or die too quickly to share it.
Can I use baking soda instead of borax?
Baking soda is generally lower-toxicity, but as an ant bait ingredient it is often less effective and less reliable. If you want something that is both safer to place and consistently effective, consider a commercial ant bait in a child-resistant station, plus sealing entry points and removing food and water sources.
Is borax ant bait safe around pets and kids?
It can be used only if you can fully prevent access. Borax is toxic if swallowed and it can irritate skin and eyes. Also, the sweet bait can attract pets (especially dogs). If you use it, choose closed bait stations whenever possible and place them behind appliances, inside a secured cabinet, or in areas kids and pets cannot reach. If you cannot guarantee that, do not use this method.
Where should I place the bait?
Put it directly on the ant highway, meaning the main trail: along baseboards, under the sink, behind the trash can, near a window track, or where you see them entering. Place multiple small stations instead of one big puddle.
What if they ignore sweet bait?
Some ants go through phases where they prefer protein or grease. If they are not interested after a day, try a tiny dab of peanut butter mixed with a pinch of borax in a closed station, or switch to a commercial gel bait labeled for the ant type in your area.
