Does Baking Soda Take to Kill Ants?
Ants might become a problem when they seem to invade your house. Many believe that baking soda is an easy and fast remedy for addressing an ant problem. But how efficient is it and how long would it take? Below, we present this guide so you can be know what you can use, how, and other things that may keep them at bay.
Does Baking Soda Work for Ant Infestation?
Indeed, baking soda may help with an ant infestation. Once ants consume baking soda, it works as a poison. The effect on their stomach messes up their digestive process and eventually kills them. However, this method is efficient only when applied together with sugar, which makes it a more efficient bait for ants. Such bait attracts the ants, and when they bring the mixture back to the colony, it eliminates every ant in their colony.
Why It’s Effective:
- Non-toxic to pets and children, which needs proper usage.
- Helps to get rid of carpenter ants, fire ants and other several types.
- Widely available in local convenience stores for purchase.
Ways to Use Baking Soda as an Insecticide
1. Baking Soda and Sugar Mixture
You have to mix equal parts of baking soda and powdered sugar in a small container. After, place this potent bait near food sources, entry points, or ant trails. The sugar draws the ants to the bait.
When the ants eat the mixture, the baking soda combines with the ants’ stomach acid and kills them. This method is effective in controlling the whole colony.
2. Water Solution
Start with mixing warm water, baking soda, and a little sugar within a bowl and make sure to stir till it gets dissolved completely. Once done, pour the solution into parts of your house where you have noticed ants.
This method works perfectly for the treatment of ant trails and smaller nests. Due to its liquid form, it can reach all the areas where ants may be hiding, ensuring that they will take the mixture back to the rest of the infestation.
3. Spray Bottle Method
For this, you have to mix baking soda and water and then put it in a spray bottle. Spray the solution at any entry point or straight on visible ant trails. This method works best for carpenter ants or fire ants by interfering with their movement and dispersing the solution more widely.
4. Dry Powder Application
This method is the simplest to apply. All you have to do is take baking soda and sprinkle it directly on ant trails, near their access points, or in cracks and crevices around the house.
This powder will cling to their bodies, affecting their ability to function. For large infestations, carry out this procedure in combination with other alternatives such as diatomaceous earth.
5. Baking Soda Paste
For this method, you have to combine water, 2-3 drops of dish soap and baking soda. Once the paste is ready, you have to apply on areas where you have seen ants frequently.
Such areas can be your walls, entrance, or places near food sources. This method is reliable and easy as well. If you want more enhanced results, repeat this cycle in every 3-4 days.
6. Ant Bait Station
Mixing baking soda and powdered sugar together and place into small lids or shallow containers with access points for the ants to reach. Since this ant bait does not reach children and pets, it helps avoid accidental ingestion. Once ants take such baits back to their queen for consumption, it will eliminate their entire colony.
Baking Soda vs. Other Remedies: Which One is Better for Ant Infestation?
Baking Soda Pros:
- The product is relatively inexpensive and can be easily applied.
- Non-toxic around children and pets.
- It can attack the entire colony when paired with sugar.
Other Remedies:
- Diatomaceous Earth: Very powerful but needs special care.
- White Vinegar Water Solution: Just keep them off temporarily rather than killing them.
- Boric Acid: Extremely effective but risks poisoning pets or small children unless used with appropriate care.
- Commercial Products: Provide results much faster. However, it may contain toxic components.
Baking soda is effective for minor infestations, but you might need stronger alternatives for major ones.
Best Alternatives to Baking Soda to Kill Ants
1. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic, organic powder that dehydrates ants by causing body damage. It can be applied near entry points, along trails, or near food sources. Diatomaceous earth is safe to use in households with pets and children as long as it does not get wet.
2. Borax and Sugar
Borax mixed with sugar makes a perfect bait to attack ant colonies. Sugar attracts the ants, and the borax kills them when consumed. Place this mixture in shallow containers near entry points or trails so that ants carry it back to their queen, killing the entire colony.
3. Talcum Powder
Talcum powder sprinkled around access points makes it impossible for ants to pass through the area. Powder makes them walk in circles, creating a mess in their movement and trail pheromone. It will help break up trail-following behavior of ants easily. This alternative is quick and not toxic for a small infestation.
4. Citrus Juices or Vinegar
Spray citrus juice or vinegar solutions around entry points and along ant trails. The strong smell masks their chemical trails, making it harder for ants to navigate. These natural repellents also work well in preventing ant infestations when used regularly.
Places to Put Baking Soda for Ants
- Close to food sources where ants are seen.
- Along ant trails and entry points.
- Around the house in areas where infestations are common, such as kitchens and pantries.
- Near cracks, crevices, or any access points.
How Long Does It Take to Kill Ants with Baking Soda?
It takes time to see results with baking soda. When the ants ingest the baking soda mixture, it will take a few hours or even days to notice the effects. This depends on the size of the colony, the species, and how fast the ants transport the mixture back to their queen.
Conclusion
Baking soda is a non-toxic and inexpensive method of controlling ants. It is most effective when mixed with sugar to lure the ants and kill the colony. While it takes a bit longer than chemical treatments, it is safer for homes with pets and children. For heavy infestations, you may need to use other methods or call a professional.
FAQs
Q1: Will baking soda kill ants on its own?
Yes, but when combined with sugar, the bait becomes stronger and guarantees improved results.
Q2: Can I use baking soda around pets and children?
Yes, but one has to be cautious of storing large amounts of baking soda in open spaces.
Q3: How many times a week will this mixture need to be replaced?
Replace the mixture after a few days for its good performance against the ant.
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