How to Get Rid of Ants in Your House

Common Sugar Ant

One of the least toxic methods of getting rid of ants infesting your is to use boric acid baits. It should not take more than one week to 10 days for the ants to be completely eliminated from your house. It is always best to start with a small amount of boric acid in the baits but if you still see ants after 10 days, you can increase the amount.

Things You'll Need

• Boric acid
• Mint apple jelly
• Plastic squeeze bottle
• Masking tape
• Jars with lids
• Nail

Instructions

1. Mix in 1 cup jelly with 1 teaspoon boric acid. Stir thoroughly. It's important to use the correct amount of boric acid. You want the ants to take the bait to their nests to feed the queen, not to die too soon.

2. Pour some mixture into a plastic squeeze bottle. Spread the bait mixture on masking tape using the squeeze bottle and place the tape strips in places where you think ants are present.

3. Check after several hours to see what are the places with most ants. Remove the tape and discard it.

4. Pour small amounts of mixture in jars with lids and punch holes into the lids with a nail, for the ants to be able to go inside.

Tips & Warnings

• If your ants are not attracted to the jelly, replace it with peanut butter.

• Keep ant bait labeled and away from children and pets.

• Do not place bait where pets can reach it.

References

• Montana State University: Ants in the Yard and Garden
• University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension: Ant Baits -- A Least Toxic Control