If you’re experiencing a fire ant problem, borax is an effective way to kill them. Borax can also be used as a deterrent against other insects such as roaches, earwigs and spiders. However, because borax is non-toxic to humans and animals it’s considered safe for use around the home.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| Borax and boric acid are natural solutions that can be used to eliminate fire ants. |
| Borax and boric acid interfere with the digestive system of ants, ultimately leading to their death. |
| Borax and boric acid can be made into a bait mixture and placed in areas where ants are active. |
| Borax and boric acid are generally considered safe for humans and pets when used as directed. |
| It may take multiple treatments with borax or boric acid to completely eliminate a fire ant colony. |
Fire Ants Don’t Have To Be A Way Of Life
If you ever find yourself with fire ants in your home, then you know how important it is to get rid of them quickly. Fire ants can be dangerous to people, pets and wildlife.
They are also hard to get rid of because there are so many colonies that spread quickly. However, there is a natural way that has been proven effective for years: borax and cornmeal!
The trick is simple: mix one cup of cornmeal with one cup of borax (not baking soda). You’ll need an airtight container to store the mixture in once mixed together.
To use the mixture on fire ant mounds, sprinkle the concoction over a mound until it’s covered completely and won’t fall off when disturbed by rain or wind gusts (this method also works if you have large clumps).
Leave overnight or longer depending on how large your mound appears; usually three days will be sufficient but some mounds may take a week or longer depending on their size/intensity.
Boric acid is a powerful ant killer and it can be used to eradicate fire ants effectively. Whether you’re dealing with a small or large infestation, our guide on eradicating fire ants with boric acid will provide you with all the necessary steps to completely remove them from your yard
Your Yard Is Your Home Too
You should be able to enjoy your yard. Your children should be able to play in the grass without fear of being attacked by ants. You should be able to relax on a patio chair, without worrying about getting bitten by fire ants.
If you have a problem with fire ants, Borax will come to the rescue! The Borax solution is easy and inexpensive, but it is also very effective at killing fire ants in your yard.
Don’t Feed The Fire Ants
One of the most important things you can do when dealing with fire ants is to avoid feeding them. Fire ants are attracted to sweet foods, and they will travel long distances to find them. If you feed them, they will keep coming back and get even larger in size.
This makes it harder for you to get rid of them because there are more of them, and they may even get into your house and cause damage.
To prevent this from happening, make sure that all food is either inside or covered up outside in containers that cannot be opened by people or animals (e.g., lids).
Fire ants can be a nuisance for any homeowner with a yard or garden. Fortunately, boric acid can help you take back control. Our guide on using boric acid to eliminate fire ants will give you some useful tips on how to use this natural remedy to get rid of fire ants and prevent their return.
Remove Their Mounds
Once you have a few of the mounds removed, it’s time to take care of the remaining ones. It’s best not to use any machines that will harm or kill them with chemicals.
Instead, use a shovel and remove as much of the mound as possible. If you’re worried about ant bites while removing them, wear gloves and long pants.
If you don’t feel like digging up their mounds yourself, hire professionals who use pesticides safely without harming other living things in your yard or garden area (like yourself).
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the fire ant mounds in your yard or garden. |
| 2 | Use a shovel or hoe to quickly and forcefully disturb the mound. |
| 3 | Pour boiling water into the disturbed mound to kill fire ants. |
| 4 | Use a natural insecticide, like diatomaceous earth, to destroy the mound and prevent fire ants from rebuilding. |
| 5 | Repeat the process for any other fire ant mounds in your yard or garden. |
Destroy Their Food Supply
Fire ants are omnivorous and can eat a variety of foods. They like sugary substances, including nectar, honeydew (a sweet liquid produced by aphids) and plant sap. They also love other insects, including other ants!
They are attracted to protein-rich foods and carbohydrates. If you’re using borax in your home as an ant killer, you should know that they will be attracted to it because it’s both a carbohydrate and a sugar source.
If you prefer using a natural and safe solution to get rid of fire ants, borax can be an effective alternative to boric acid. Our guide on eliminating fire ants using borax will teach you how to use borax safely and how to monitor the effectiveness of this solution.
Kill Them With Borax
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral made up of sodium, boron, oxygen and water. It’s safe for humans but can cause some irritation if ingested or applied to the skin. Borax is also a good natural pesticide.
How does borax work to kill fire ants? By dehydrating them! When an ant comes into contact with borax it begins to absorb some of it through its exoskeleton (outer shell).
The exoskeleton acts as a sponge absorbing water from within the body of the ant while simultaneously preventing moisture from reabsorbing back into its body after being removed by absorption through its exoskeleton.
As they lose moisture they die and will eventually fall over dead once most of their internal organs have stopped working because there wasn’t enough fluid left inside their bodies for those organs to function properly any longer.”
Use The Correct Ratio Of Ingredients
The most important thing to keep in mind when making your fire ant killer is the ratio of ingredients. For every 1 part borax, use 2 parts cornmeal.
This will produce a ratio of 1:2 borax to cornmeal, and it’s the ideal mixture for killing fire ants. If you want more watery results and a wetter consistency, add more cornmeal; if you want a drier result that crumbles more easily once it’s been spread around (and which won’t stick as much), add less cornmeal.
Getting rid of fire ants doesn’t have to harm the environment or put your family at risk. Borax is an eco-friendly and safe solution to eradicate fire ants from your yard. Check out our guide on using borax to get rid of fire ants to learn more about the benefits of using an environmentally friendly option
Make Sure You’re Using The Correct Type Of Cornmeal
One of the best ways to bait and trap fire ants is with a mixture of cornmeal, sugar, and honey. The key is to make sure you’re using the correct type of cornmeal.
As mentioned above, foraging fire ants prefer high-protein foods over other options and can often be drawn to this bait by its odor alone.
A good rule of thumb when choosing your cornmeal is that it should be dry, crumbly, and white in color (not yellow).
You’ll also want to make sure that it’s not too wet or sticky if so, add some more flour until you get something resembling breadcrumbs or oatmeal cookie dough.
Mix It Up In A Plastic Jug
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to put them together.
First, boil about 2 cups of water in a saucepan on the stovetop. Once the water is boiling, add 1 cup of borax and 2 cups of cornmeal to the pot.
Stir well until all of the ingredients are completely dissolved in each other and no lumps remain. Then pour this mixture into a plastic jug (or whatever container you might want to store your homemade ant killer).
After you’ve poured all of your mixture into your chosen storage device, give it one more good stir and then seal it with a lid or cap don’t forget this step!
If any ants happen upon an open bottle during their travels across your kitchen floor or countertops, they’ll be able to get themselves inside without much trouble at all thanks to all that delicious bait sitting right there within reachable distance for their tiny little legs and antennae…
Are you looking for a comprehensive guide on using boric acid to eliminate fire ants once and for all? Our ultimate guide covers everything from identifying fire ants to creating boric acid baits and applying them effectively. Follow our guide to get rid of fire ants and keep them from returning.
Spread It Around The Mounds And Throughout Your Lawn To Prevent Ant Transfer From One Area To Another
Remember to spread it around the mounds and throughout your lawn to prevent ant transfer from one area to another.
This helps ensure that no new fire ants will be able to set up camp in your yard, as well as prevent any that are currently there from escaping and finding a new home elsewhere.
You Can Kill Fire Ants Easily, Cheaply, And Safely With Borax And Cornmeal!
Borax is a natural mineral that can be found in most grocery stores. Cornmeal is a natural product made from dried corn kernels. Both borax and cornmeal are safe for humans, pets, and the environment.
Borax will kill fire ants quickly, inexpensively and easily! Here’s what to do:
- Place 1 tablespoon of borax into an empty coffee can or similar container.
- Add one heaping tablespoon of cornmeal or wheat flour over the top of the borax granules so it covers them completely; this helps prevent moisture loss from evaporation during storage until ready for use (you may also opt for other potting soil amendments such as peat moss).
Conclusion
With all the different ways to kill fire ants, it’s hard to choose which one is best. But if you follow these simple steps and use borax, you’ll be well on your way to killing those pesky ants once and for all.
Further Reading
Here are some useful resources to learn more about using borax and boric acid to eradicate ants:
Ant Killer with Borax – Yes, It Really Works!: This blog post provides an in-depth guide on making and applying borax-based ant baits, complete with tips and tricks to make the process easier.
How to Kill Ants with Borax: This article covers the basics of using borax to eliminate ants, including how to make a borax bait and where to place it for maximum effectiveness.
How to Kill Ants Using Borax: This WikiHow post offers step-by-step instructions on how to create several different types of borax baits and apply them safely and effectively.
FAQs
What is borax, and how does it work to kill ants?
Borax, also known as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral compound that has antiseptic and insecticidal properties. It works by interfering with the digestive system of ants and disrupting their ability to metabolize food, which ultimately leads to their death.
Is borax safe for humans and pets?
Borax is generally considered safe for humans and pets when used as directed. However, consuming large amounts of borax can cause digestive upset, and inhaling borax dust can irritate the respiratory system. Always handle borax carefully and keep it out of reach of children and pets.
How do I make a borax ant bait?
To make a simple borax bait, mix equal parts borax and sugar in a container and add enough water to make a thick paste. Place the bait in areas where ants are active, such as along ant trails or near their nest, and wait for the ants to take the bait back to their colony.
How do I know if the borax bait is working?
If the bait is effective, you should notice a decrease in ant activity within a few days. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some ant colonies may require multiple treatments to completely eliminate. Be patient and continue placing the bait until you no longer see any signs of ants.
Can I use borax to kill other types of pests?
While borax is primarily used to eliminate ants, it can be effective against other pests, such as cockroaches and silverfish. However, for best results, it’s important to tailor your approach to the specific pest you’re targeting and do your research to ensure that the method you choose is safe and effective.
Hello! I’m Hellen James, and I write about how to keep pests from invading your home. For the last 10 years, I’ve been working in pest control and am excited to share my expertise with you!
