ADVERTISEMENT
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- A shallow dish or container (optional)
3. Place the Mixture Along Ant Trails
Once you’ve mixed the sugar and baking soda, place small amounts of it in areas where you’ve seen ants. You can also sprinkle the mixture near entry points like windowsills, doorways, or any visible cracks where ants are entering.
- Tip: For an extra boost, place the mixture near the ants’ nest if you can locate it. This will encourage more ants to take the bait back to their colony, helping to eliminate the problem at its source.
4. Create a Baking Soda Barrier
In addition to setting traps, you can also use baking soda as a barrier to keep ants from coming inside. Sprinkle a thin line of baking soda across door thresholds, window sills, and any other entry points. Ants will avoid crawling through the powdery substance, helping to prevent them from entering your space.
5. Monitor and Reapply
Check your baited areas daily and reapply the baking soda and sugar mixture as needed. After a few days, you should see a significant reduction in the ant population. Continue to apply the mixture until the ants are completely gone.
Extra Tips to Prevent Ants from Returning
Once you’ve tackled the immediate problem, you’ll want to take steps to ensure ants don’t come back. Here are a few tips to prevent future infestations:
1. Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for any gaps, cracks, or openings where ants could be entering. Seal up these entry points with caulk or weatherstripping to block their access.
2. Keep Your Home Clean
Ants are attracted to food, so keeping your home clean is key to preventing them from coming back. Wipe down countertops, sweep floors regularly, and store food in sealed containers.
3. Remove Standing Water
Ants are also attracted to water sources, so be sure to fix any leaks and avoid leaving standing water in sinks or pet bowls for long periods of time.
4. Take Out the Trash
Dispose of trash frequently, especially if it contains food scraps. Keep outdoor garbage bins tightly sealed to prevent attracting ants and other pests.
5. Use Vinegar as an Additional Repellent
In addition to baking soda, vinegar is another natural ant deterrent. Ants dislike the smell of vinegar and will avoid areas where it is sprayed. You can make a simple vinegar solution by mixing equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and applying it to areas where ants are frequently spotted.
Conclusion: A Simple and Natural Solution
Baking soda is an effective, affordable, and eco-friendly way to get rid of ants and keep them from returning. Whether you use it as bait or as a barrier, this common household product can help you tackle ant infestations without resorting to toxic chemicals. By combining baking soda with a few preventive measures like sealing entry points and keeping your home clean, you can enjoy a pest-free living space year-round.