How to Kill Ants With Soap & Water

A soap and water mix is a nontoxic way to kill ants. It doesn’t penetrate their bodies like chemical insecticides, rather it causes them to drown. When soap is added to water, it puts a layer of oil on the surface. With the lack of hydrogen bonding an ant is unable to swim to the top for air. This is not effective on ant hills, but it works great on solid surfaces around the house.

Things You'll Need

• Any soap product
• Hot water
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Mix a solution. Pour hot tap water into cup or glass. Squirt in a liquid soap, or drop a bar of soap into the container and swirl it around for a few seconds.

2. Hit the insects. Pour the solution directly over the invading ants. Pour a layer deep enough to keep the ants from standing above the surface. All six-legged motion will stop in a matter of seconds.

3. Clean up. Use a paper towel or napkin to wipe up the exterminated ants and the spill. Then simply throw the dead ants away.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave a puddle of soapy water where ants are entering the house.