You see a colony of ants rummaging belligerently into the countertops of your kitchen. They seemed to be determined and resolute in ransacking whatever food particles were left on your table. So, it is recommended to use boric acid as a solution to this dilemma.
Does boric acid kill ants? Boric acid effectively kills ants by harming their digestive system, impairing their nervous system, and damaging their exoskeleton. This powerful substance has been utilized as an ant and cockroach deterrent since the 1800s, making it a reliable solution for ant extermination.
Now that you have an idea that boric acid can kill ants, let us expand that knowledge by getting to know more about it, its effects on ants, how it is applied, where to buy it, and other effective remedies for getting rid of ants.
What Is Boric Acid?
Boric acid is an acidic hydrate of boric oxide and an odorless white material that has antifungal, antiseptic, and antiviral qualities. It is generally cytotoxic to all cellular mechanisms, so it is widely used in exterminating numerous pests.
Why Use Boric Acid? Does It Kill Ants?
You should use boric acid in killing ants because it is an efficient pest controller. It contains chemicals and compounds that excellently disrupt the body processes of insects when eaten. Not only will it destroy their exterior structures, but it will also damage both their digestive and nervous systems.
When ants walk through boric acid powder, they will groom their legs to remove the dust particles, which in return, would lead to ingestion of the said chemical. It will be very toxic to their bodies once they eat it. So, death will ensue.
Related: Are Ants the Smartest Insect? | It depends!
How to Use Boric Acid to Kill Ants?
To facilitate the proper eradication of ants, boric acid must be used properly. This can be done by combining it with food particles that would induce and entice ants to feed on it.
How Does Boric Acid Kill Ants?
Boric acid can kill ants when it is utilized as bait. This can be done by adding food particles such as sugar in a container with boric acid and placing it in an ant-infested area.
Since ants have excellent odor traits, they will surely proceed to places where they can sense the existence of food. Once it reaches the said area, it will collect food particles and distribute them to the rest of its colony members.
While in the act of stepping on the boric acid mixture, they will have the urge to remove it from their legs, and in that process, they will be able to ingest it. As a result, they’ll die slowly.
Does Boric Acid Work on Carpenter Ants?
Boric acid works on carpenter ants. It is a poison to their digestive tracts, so feeding on it would be a big disaster.
However, since these ant types are also fascinated with meats and fatty food, you can replace sugar with these food items in making the boric acid bait. This would entice them more to go near the site of the mixture.
Related: Best Carpenter Ant Baits: Reviews & Guide | Indoor and Outdoor
What Do You Mix With Boric Acid to Kill Ants?
Traditionally, white table sugar is added to boric acid to form a bait for ants. It is very sweet and saccharine, so these insects will truly be tempted by the mixture.
On the other hand, boric acid is very soluble in water, so dissolving it will never be a problem. Water will also provide moisture to ants, making it an ideal ant bait.
How to Make Homemade Ant Killer With Boric Acid?
The following are the methods for making a homemade ant killer using boric acid:
Step 1: Gather the necessary tools and ingredients. To formulate the best boric acid repellent, you need boric acid powder, white table sugar, measuring cups and spoons, containers, and water.
Step 2: Place one teaspoon of boric acid powder and three tablespoons of white table sugar in a liquid measuring cup.
Step 3: Put 1 ¾ cup of distilled or bottled water in the liquid measuring cup. The water must not be too hot or freezing. Also, it is not recommended to use tap water.
Step 4: Stir and mix the ingredients well. It must have a fine consistency and texture.
Step 5: After making the mixture, pour a sufficient amount of the liquid into small bowls or containers, together with an absorbent material such as cloth or cotton.
Step 6: Place the containers with the boric acid mixture in areas where a prevalence of ant activity can be observed. They will be attracted to the sugar particles on the container and will eventually feed on it.
Step 7: Monitor the containers on a daily or weekly basis. Refill or replenish it with the boric acid mixture whenever necessary. You can also replace it when the mixture turns foul.
Step 8: Give ants sufficient time to feed on the containers. You can leave it in the designated areas for one to two months.
Step 9: Do not apply insecticides on the containers or near them as it will discourage the ants from going to the mixture. It will also disrupt their boric acid feeding activity.
Step 10: Once you see that the ant infestation is no longer present, you can remove the ant traps. Practice proper disposal strategies in throwing it to avert any kind of harm. You may also keep it in an airtight receptacle so that you can reuse it when needed.
How Long Does It Take for Boric Acid to Kill Ants?
Boric acid is considered a slow-acting repellent, so it would not cause immediate death in ants. It gives the ants more time to collect particles from the mixture and distribute them to other ants in their colonies. Once it reaches a dangerous level, it would cause damage to their organs, and as a result, death would occur.
Where to Buy Boric Acid for Ants?
You can buy boric acid from your local markets, but it can also be bought online. There are a lot of boric acid products from Amazon, which you can buy with just a click of your fingers.
1. Zap-A-Roach
Zap-A-Roach is one of the best choices when it comes to getting rid of ants. It is safe to use as it is non-toxic and non-staining. Thus, it can be applied to different surfaces without the possibility of causing damage. Also, it has no pungent or strong odor, so it will not be obvious to other people that you are having pest problems.
2. Duda Energy
Another high-quality product is the Boric Acid Powder from the brand Duda Energy . It is industrial grade and made from 99% pure boric acid. Also, it has a very fine consistency, so mixing it with sugar and other food particles will not be difficult.
3. Answer Boric Acid Insecticidal Dust from J T Eaton Store
You may also opt to buy the Answer Boric Acid Insecticidal Dust from J T Eaton Store . This works efficiently even in small amounts but produces a long-lasting effect. It is also harmless as it is not flammable and non-staining.
What Can You Use Instead of Boric Acid to Kill Ants?
Aside from boric acid, you can also make use of these strategies in getting rid of ants:
1. Ants Sprays and Insecticides. This can be an excellent option if you want to kill ants immediately. However, high caution must be employed in using it as it contains toxic chemicals and substances.
2. Glass Cleaners or Liquid Detergents. Applying these cleaning supplies can effectively terminate a pheromone trail.
3. Diatomaceous earth. These are fine silica powders consisting of sharp crystals that can cause destructive cuts on the ant’s exoskeletons.
4. Baking Soda and Vinegar. It is a settled fact that white vinegar is a powerful ant exterminator. When mixed with baking soda, it will form a foam that will be potent in disrupting an ant colony.
5. Essential Oils. Natural oils such as tea tree, lemon eucalyptus, neem, cinnamon, and peppermint are believed to be effective in battling several ant types such as red fire ants. It is mixed with water and utilized as a spray.
Related: How to Get Rid of Ants Naturally: A Complete Guide
Which Kills Ants Better, Borax or Boric Acid?
Borax and boric acid both contain the element Boron, a chemical substance that efficiently repels insects such as ants. They are potent ant killers, so both of them can be used interchangeably. However, if you notice that the ants are not responsive to borax, utilize boric acid and vice-versa.
Related: How to Get Rid of Ants with Borax | Step-by-Step Guide & Practical Tips
In conclusion, boric acid is an excellent ant killer. When used with sugar and other food particles as ant bait, exterminating ant trails will be easy. Thus, if you are looking for an effective yet safe and economical insect repellent, then boric acid might be the perfect choice for you.
List of Sources
Boric Acid for Ant Problems. (2010). University of California.
Boone, C., Bond, C., Stone, D. (2012). Boric Acid General Fact Sheet. National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services.
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