Ants can be one of the most annoying pets to deal with. No matter how hard you try, these tiny invaders have a knack for finding their way back into your home, whether it’s through your kitchen, bathroom, or any other area. And once they’re in, it can feel like they’ve brought an army along with them.
To get rid of these ants, homeowners try a lot of things. If you’re looking for a simple, natural way to tackle the problem, you may have heard that baking soda is quite a useful solution. But how does baking soda actually work on ants, and is it really the answer to your pest problem?
In this blog post, you will find all the answers you need. Being the go-to experts for ant control in Tennessee, we have seen various methods over the years and can help you decide what you can do next.
But Why Am I Facing An Ant Infestation?
You might be wondering how ants were able to reach your home or business. One of the common reasons is for food. Like us, ants also need food to survive and these little creatures have a highly developed sense of smell. The smallest crumbs or spills are enough to attract them, and they aren’t picky, since any type of food will do.
When ants find a reliable source of food, they lay down a chemical trail for other ants to follow. Before you know it, you’ve got an entire colony marching through your kitchen.
Ants are particularly attracted to:
- Sugary foods: Anything from fruit juices to cake crumbs.
- Grease and oils: Think about that unwashed frying pan or a greasy kitchen countertop.
- Moisture: Like many animals, they need water to survive, so wet spots or leaky pipes also tend to attract them.
That’s why prevention is always key. Keeping your home clean and dry is step one in avoiding an ant infestation. But if they’ve already arrived, this is where baking soda might help you take back control.
Also Read: How Long Can An Ant Live Without Food?
Is Baking Soda Effective In Getting Rid Of Ants In Your Home?
Baking soda is widely available and we all know of its multi-purpose use when it comes to cleaning, cooking, and health. It can also be used to kill ants, and while it’s not as effective as other options, it still does the job.
When ants consume baking soda, it reacts with the acid inside their digestive system. The result? A buildup of gas. Unlike humans, ants cannot burp or expel gas the way we can. So, once the gas starts accumulating, it eventually leads to their death.
But there is a catch, the trick is getting the ants to actually eat the baking soda. Ants aren’t naturally attracted to it, which means you have to be a bit crafty in how you present it to them.
How to Use Baking Soda as an Ant Killer
Now that we understand how baking soda works, how do you actually use it to get rid of ants? Fortunately, it’s quite simple. Baking soda is most effective when mixed with something ants are more likely to eat, like sugar.
Mix baking soda with sugar:
Mix equal parts of baking soda and sugar in a small bowl. Since both ingredients share a similar white color, the ants will be attracted to the sugar, which will act as a bait, drawing them in. The ants will mistake the baking soda for sugar and consume the mixture.
Mix Baking Soda With Boric Acid
Another option is to mix the baking soda with boric acid. This is an even more effective option as boric acid is also known to kill ants. However, make sure you keep this mixture away from pets.
Here is how to maximize the effectiveness of the solution:
Place the mixture in strategic spots: Sprinkle the mixture wherever you’ve seen ants. Common areas include near windows, along baseboards, and near entry points like doorways.
Be patient: It might take a few days for the ants to find the bait and for the baking soda to take effect. Don’t expect an overnight miracle, but with persistence, you’ll start to see the results.
Monitor and clean: As you notice the ant population decrease, clean up any dead ants and continue to monitor for new trails or signs of life. If necessary, reapply the baking soda mixture.
Effectiveness and Limitations of Baking Soda
While baking soda can be a helpful tool in your battle against ants, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It works best on smaller infestations where the ants can easily access the bait, but it might not be as effective for larger colonies or more serious problems.
Here are some key pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
Non-toxic: Unlike commercial insecticides, baking soda is safe to use around pets and kids.
Cheap and accessible: Most of us have baking soda in our pantry, and even if you don’t, it’s inexpensive to buy.
Cons:
Not always foolproof: Some ants might not be attracted to the sugar-baking soda mix, depending on their food preferences.
Takes time: This is not a quick fix. It can take several days for you to see the full effects.
Not always effective on large infestations: If you’re dealing with a large or stubborn colony, you might need to use other methods in combination with baking soda or even call in a professional.
Other Natural Alternatives to Baking Soda for Ant Control
If baking soda doesn’t seem to be doing the trick, or you want to try multiple approaches, there are other natural remedies you can consider. Some of the most popular include:
Vinegar: Ants hate the smell of vinegar. Spraying a mixture of vinegar and water around entry points can help deter them.
Lemon juice: Like vinegar, lemon disrupts the chemical trails that ants use to navigate. Mix lemon juice with water and spray it in the corners where you constantly see ants.
Essential Oils: Peppermint, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil are known to repel ants. Simply mix a few drops with water and spray it around areas where you’ve spotted them.
While these methods may not kill the ants outright like baking soda, they can help keep them at bay and discourage new ants from entering.
You can find out more about these methods in our blog: How To Get Rid Of Black Ants
Call The Premier Ant Control Experts in Memphis Today!
Baking soda can be a simple and natural way to deal with an ant problem, especially if you’re trying to avoid using harsh chemicals. By mixing it with sugar and placing it in areas where ants frequent, you can slowly reduce the number of ants in your home. However, if this is not working or there is a large infestation, look no further than the team at Jamison Pest and Lawn.
We are your premier pest control experts who have been helping homeowners get rid of ants in Memphis and the surrounding areas of Tennessee for years. Contact us today at (901) 452-1505 to learn more about how we can help you.
