How to Get Rid of Ants With Ant Bait
If you notice an army of ants making their way into your kitchen or taking over your lawn, one of the cleanest ways to get rid of them is with ant bait. Baits work by attracting ants with poisoned food, which is then taken back to the colony, killing them at their source. They can contain a combination of toxins for both immediate and long-term control, depending on your preference, and you can purchase them ready-made or make your own with a few simple ingredients. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Boric acid
- Jelly
- Sugar
- Peanut butter
- Honey
- Wax paper
- Masking tape
- Commercial ant bait
- Seed spreader
Instructions
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Indoor Ants
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Determine the type of ants you have by placing food in areas where ants have been observed. Use peanut butter and honey to attract protein-loving ants and jelly to attract sweet-loving ants. This will dictate which ingredients to use for bait. For example, odorous house ants are attracted to sweets such as jelly or sugar, while big-headed ants prefer grease or proteins in their food.
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Create a toxic bait by mixing 1 part boric acid with 1 part of the food your ants seem to like best. Place the mixture on a piece of wax paper or masking tape and put in areas that ants frequent. Boric acid is bitter to ants, so if they avoid the bait, gradually lower the amount of boric acid until you observe it working.
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Leave the bait alone for at least three days while the ants find and carry the toxic food back to their colony. Discard the bait after the ants lose interest or stop returning.
Outdoor Ants
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Purchase outdoor ant bait from a pest control or garden center. Choose a product containing both fast- and slow-reacting toxins to provide immediate and long-term control. Do not open until ready to use to maintain product freshness.
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Check the weather forecast to make certain rain is not predicted for at least two days. Spread the bait in the affected area with a seed spreader on a dry day.
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Reapply slow-reacting bait in areas prone to ant infestation for ongoing control. For example, baits containing abamectin or fenoxycarb will remain effective as long as six months.
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Tips & Warnings
For best results, it is important to allow ants to carry the bait back to their colony. So do not kill ants congregating around food baits.
Clean away all sources of food except for the bait.
When using toxins, exercise extreme caution around children, pets and food.
References
- Michigan State University Extension; Gardening in Michigan; When Ants Invade; Gretchen Voyle
- University of California: How To Manage Pests: Ants
- Texas A&M University: Texas Imported Fire Ant Research and Management Project; Have You Two-Stepped With Fire Ants Lately?
- The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture; Ant Control For Homeowners; Michael F. Potter
Resources
- Photo Credit Medioimages/Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images
