Sometimes a remodel will uncover more than outdated wiring or old insulation. Opening up walls can expose an ant nest you never knew was there.
A borax ant killer recipe is one of the most effective ways to get rid of ants without using expensive store-bought products. Instead of hiring an exterminator, you can make a powerful ant bait using a few simple household ingredients. (You can click the items in this article to see exactly what to get.)
This method works by attracting ants to a slow-acting bait they carry back to the colony. Instead of just killing the ants you see, it eliminates the entire nest at the source.
In this guide, I’ll show you three simple borax ant killer recipes you can make right away. If you already have the ingredients, start with the liquid version in recipe #1. This is the most effective home made ant bait recipe that’s effective in most situations.
Affiliate Disclosure:
This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use or trust.
Three Best Borax Ant Killer Recipes
I am including three different options in this article to use borax as ant killer. There are as many options for this as you can imagine. That’s because the method for killing ants is simple. Attract them to a food they like, and lace it with Borax.
The first recipe has worked well for me. It’s the most simple one, and the one I would like to start this article with.
Required Materials:
- Borax
- Sugar
- Water
- Shallow Container
- Measuring Spoon
Recipe #1: Borax with Sugar for Ants
If you want the most reliable way to wipe out an entire colony of ants, this is it. A liquid borax bait works so well because it attracts ants, gets carried back to the nest, and spreads slowly, killing the colony instead of just the ants you see.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons borax
Instructions:
- Pour the warm water into a bowl or container.
- Add the sugar and stir until it fully dissolves.
- Mix in the borax and stir thoroughly until combined.
Soak Amazon Basics Cotton Balls in the solution or pour a small amount into shallow containers (like bottle caps or small dishes).
How to Use It:
- Place the bait where you’ve seen ant activity
- For a cleaner setup, you can also use Reusable Liquid Ant Bait Stations to contain the bait
- Keep it out of reach of kids and pets
- Avoid placing it directly on food prep surfaces
- Let the ants carry the bait back to the colony
Pro Tip:
More ants at first is normal because it means the bait is doing a good job at attracting them. Refresh the dish every 2–3 days, and use multiple bait stations for best results.
Small Batch of Borax Ant Killer Recipe
Typically households that have an ant problem inside don’t need to make a large batch of the recipe. That’s why we will take a look at the recipe for making a small batch of it. If you need a larger amount you can scale up the quantities of each ingredient.
Recipe #2: Thick Paste Version
This thick paste version works well in areas where liquid bait won’t stay in place, such as cracks, walls, or outdoor entry points.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon borax
- 1–2 teaspoons water (just enough to form a paste)
Instructions:
- Mix the sugar and borax together in a small bowl.
- Add enough water to form a thick paste.
- Add a few drops of water if it’s too dry, or a pinch more sugar if it’s too runny.
How to Use It:
- Apply along ant trails, cracks, and entry points
- Focus on areas where liquid bait isn’t practical (walls, baseboards, tight gaps)
- Place on bottle caps, jar lids, or small reusable containers like Glad Mini Round Food Storage Containers
- Keep it out of reach of kids and pets
This version works great in:
- Behind appliances
- Inside cabinet corners
- Along baseboards
- Around window and door frames
Pro Tip:
- Go small: Tiny dabs work better than large globs
- Don’t wipe it away too soon: Let ants feed and carry it back
- Reapply as needed: Replace when it hardens or disappears
- Pair with liquid bait: Use both types to cover more situations
Recipe #3: Alternative Variation
The main difference with this recipe is it uses a different attractant. It’s fine if you want to try something else altogether, but I will give you some options to consider that are known to work. The most important thing to pay attention to when looking for a bait to use is it should be sweet, and liquid enough for the Borax powder to dissolve into it.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons honey, syrup, or jelly (choose one)
- 2 tbsp Borax
- Water as needed
Directions:
- Pick one of the first ingredients and combine it in a bowl with borax.
- Stir fully, and add water if needed to make it a slightly liquid consistency.
- Place the mixture in a shallow container.
- Put it in an ideal location for the ants to find it.
Where to Place Borax Ant Bait for Maximum Effect
The best place to put the bait is where the ants are. Place the ant killer close to the trail, without disturbing the trail. You want the poison close to them, without making them change course. Disturbing their trail can throw off their scent, and may make them work at creating a new trail when they should be discovering the bait.
If you are anticipating them coming into the house because the seasons are changing, place the bait at known entry points. If you know where they have come in previously, this is a good place to put it.
Other places in the home that can be effective are under the sink, or behind appliances like refrigerators. They tend to use areas that are not frequently used by us to move from point A to point B.
If you have trails outside you would like to target, the bait should be put in a container that pets or other animals can’t get into. I suggest using something like an old peanut butter jar, a reusable bait container, or a ready-to-use option like TERRO Outdoor Liquid Ant Bait Stakes for a cleaner and more secure setup. Drill holes big enough for the ants to crawl through about 1-2 inches above the bottom. These holes can be ⅛ inch as the ant will be able to fit through it, but other animals won’t.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Borax bait does not work instantly. Ants typically find the bait within 24 hours and begin carrying it back to the colony.
Most infestations are significantly reduced within a few days, with full elimination usually taking about one week depending on colony size.
Be patient with this process. Slow action is what makes this method effective.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake # 1: Using Too Much Borax
It’s easy to think the more borax you use, the better it will work. But using too much may kill the ants before they get back to the colony. This may make it seem like the ants are being killed, but the colony is still there.
Mistake # 2: Not Refreshing the Bait
Do not set the bait down and forget about it. It’s tempting to think the bait will do its job, so you don’t need to think about it. Check the bait daily to see how much is left. When it gets low, but there is still ant activity, it’s good to replace the bait with a fresh batch. Once all the ants are gone is when you can remove the bait completely and wipe the counters clean of any borax residue.
Mistake #3: Placing the Bait in Bad Locations
Ant trails aren’t always convenient. It may be on a busy part of your kitchen counters. Or maybe they are crossing over a fruit bowl. The ideal location for bait placement is within 2-5 inches of the trail. I like to put it as close to a wall as I can if possible. Placing the bait too far away from the trail can mean the ants won’t find it at all, therefore not doing what it’s supposed to do.
Is Borax Safe? (Pets, Kids, and Home Use)
Borax can be an effective and affordable pest control solution. If you’re using a borax ant killer recipe in your home, it’s important to understand how to use it safely, especially around kids and pets.
Is Borax Safe for Humans?
Borax is considered low in toxicity for adults when handled properly. It should never be ingested or left where it can be accidentally consumed. Direct skin contact isn’t usually dangerous, but it can cause irritation. This is especially true if you have sensitive skin or repeated exposure.
The biggest concern is accidental ingestion. Small amounts can cause stomach upset, while larger amounts may lead to more serious symptoms like nausea or vomiting. Proper placement and handling are important.
Safe use tips:
- Avoid breathing in borax powder
- Wash your hands after handling
- Don’t use it on food-prep surfaces
- Keep it out of reach of children
Is Borax Safe for Pets?
Borax is toxic to pets if ingested. Dogs and cats can be attracted to sweet borax bait mixtures, which makes this a real risk.
Even small amounts can cause:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
To keep your pets safe:
- Place borax bait in areas pets can’t access (behind appliances, inside cabinets, cracks, etc.)
- Use bait stations or enclosed containers when possible
- Clean up any spills immediately
If you think your pet has ingested borax, contact your vet right away.
Is Borax Safe for Kids?
Borax should always be kept away from children. Like pets, kids are vulnerable to its effects.
Avoid placing borax bait in:
- Open floor areas
- Countertops within reach
- Anywhere children play
Instead, use hidden or secured placements, and clearly label anything containing borax.
Is Borax Safe to Use in Your Home?
Yes, borax is safe when used correctly. The key is controlled use. You’re not spreading it everywhere; you’re placing it strategically where ants travel, while minimizing exposure to people and pets.
If safety is a major concern, consider:
- Using sealed bait stations
- Applying very small, targeted amounts
- Trying alternative natural repellents in high-traffic areas
Bottom Line
Borax works extremely well for killing ants, but it needs to be handled with care. As long as you keep it contained, out of reach, and used in small amounts, it’s a safe and practical solution for most homes.
How to Prevent Ants from Coming Back
Killing the ants you see is only half the job. If you don’t remove what attracted them in the first place, they’ll keep coming back. The goal here is simple: eliminate food sources, block entry points, and make your home a place ants don’t want to be.
Eliminate Food Sources
A clean kitchen alone can dramatically reduce ant activity. Start by wiping down your kitchen counters daily. Keep your floors clean as well. And if you store food in sealed containers that are airtight they won’t be able to access it.
Seal Entry Points
Even small gaps can become entry points. Seal noticeable cracks around windows, doors, and baseboards. Replace damaged weather stripping around doors and windows. And caulk gaps where pipes enter the home.
Maintain Outdoor Areas
Reducing activity outside helps prevent infestations inside. Keep plants trimmed back around the house so they don’t make contact. Move loose debris and firewood away from your foundation. And keep any mulch or soil away from making contact with the siding.
Use Preventative Baiting (Optional)
If you’ve had recurring issues, you can place small amounts of borax bait in hidden areas as a preventative measure. This can stop new colonies before they become a problem.
Just be sure to keep bait out of reach of kids and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is best to mix with borax to kill ants?
The best ingredient to mix with borax is granulated sugar. This will be a highly effective attractant that any species of ant would be drawn to.
What are the common mistakes using Borax ant killer?
There are some common mistakes that should be avoided when using this technique. The first is to mix the wrong ratio of borax to bait. Next is not using the right attractant. And finally there is not being patient enough for the bait to work. Take a look at the corresponding sections in this article to learn more about avoiding these common mistakes.
What should you never mix with Borax?
There are several household items that should not be mixed with borax. Bleach mixed with borax will cause noxious fumes. Ammonia is another item that will do the same. And if you mix vinegar with borax it will neutralize both.
Is borax safe around pets and children?
Borax has low toxicity, but ingestion by pets or children should be avoided. There are some basic steps that should be taken to help avoid the issue of somebody ingesting the borax on accident.
Why are ants not taking the bait?
There are several reasons why ants do not take the bait. The first and most common is when using a solution with too high of a borax concentration. They will not be interested in eating it. Next is if they are not attracted to the ingredients of the bait. Ant colonies have preferences in what they want, based on the colony’s needs. Try a different variation of the recipe as listed above. And finally the bait is old or dried out. Try refreshing it to get their interest peaked again.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, you already know that dealing with ants doesn’t require a cabinet full of expensive chemicals or a call to a pest control company. A simple mixture of borax and sugar, placed in the right spot, can do what most expensive store-bought solutions promise, collapse the colony from the inside.
What makes this approach worth sticking with is the logic behind it. You’re not chasing individual ants around your kitchen. You’re turning their own behavior against them, letting them carry the solution directly to the source.
Results won’t happen overnight, and that’s actually a good sign. The slower the bait works, the deeper it reaches. If you see a crowd of ants around your bait station on day two, don’t panic and don’t reach for the spray can. That activity means the bait is doing exactly what it should.
Keep the mixture fresh, stay consistent with placement, and give it time to run its course. Pair that with a few basic habits like sealing your food, cleaning up spills, and blocking entry points. Soon you’ll likely find this is the last ant problem you deal with for a long time.
You got this,
Kevin
Kevin
I grew up in a family where my dad and several uncles were general contractors. They took me to the jobsites, and also taught me so much about home maintenance. I remember spending several summers in high school helping my father build houses. It gave me so much knowledge that I am excited to share!