How to Treat Sugar Ants

Ants are attracted to areas in your home where food is kept or eaten.

According to Facts About Ants, "true" sugar ants are native to Australia and very aggressive. Other pesky ants are often referred to as sugar ants, and can be found throughout the United States. Finding ants inside your home is a common problem, especially in the kitchen, dining room or any area where food is eaten. If not treated immediately, ants can be a particularly pesky insect to get rid of; however, it only takes a few common household products to get them under control quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Hand towels
• Cleaning product
• Broom
• 1 tbsp. boric acid
• 1 tsp. peanut butter
• Paper plate
• Plastic spoon
• Plastic grocery bag
• 1 cracker
• Small cardboard box

Instructions

1. 

   Common household products can be used to rid your home of ants.

   Wipe down affected countertops, tables and appliances with a hand towel and your preferred cleaning product. Sweep the floor to pick up any traces of food and use the hand towel to clean up any sticky spots or spills.

2. Mix the boric acid and peanut butter together on the paper plate with the plastic spoon. Spread the mixture onto the cracker.

3. Place the paper plate and plastic spoon inside the plastic grocery bag, tie the bag securely and throw it away.

4. Put the cracker inside the cardboard box.

5. Place the box in a location where the ants are causing a problem, such as behind the refrigerator or stove, underneath the sink or near the kitchen trash can. The ants are attracted by the smell of the peanut butter but will die when they ingest the boric acid.

Tips & Warnings

• Boric acid is toxic to small children and pets.

References

• Grinning Planet: "Ants in Your Pants" and Other Non-Recommended Dance Moves
• The Frugal Life: Getting Rid of Ants
• Facts About Ants: Sugar Ants