Does Baking Soda Kill Ants? Learn if baking soda is the ultimate solution to banishing these unwanted guests from your home!
Are you tired of ants invading your home? Do you want a natural and inexpensive solution to get rid of them? Look no further than your kitchen pantry! Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate, the versatile ingredient, has been praised as a miraculous remedy against ants. But Does Baking Soda Really Kill Ants, or is it just a myth? Let’s find out!
Learn Does Epsom kill ants here
What are Ants?
Ants are small social insects that belong to the family Formicidae. They have six legs and are typically brown, black, or red in color. These tiny creatures have a head, thorax, and abdomen. There are over 10,000 known species of ants all around the world. Ants play an important role in the ecosystem, helping to aerate soil and control pest populations. However, they are also a nuisance to homeowners and gardeners as they invade homes and gardens in search of food and shelter.
Does Baking Soda Kill Ants?
The answer to, Does Baking Soda Kill Ants? is ‘Yes.’ It works by disrupting their natural pH balance. When ants consume sodium bicarbonate, it reacts with their digestive acids and causes death. However, this method works only when ants ingest baking soda. You can make this hack more potent by mixing sodium bicarbonate with vinegar.
Why Should You Get Rid Of Ants?
1. They Eat your Food
Ants are notorious for infiltrating your pantry and making a feast out of your snacks. Though a few crumbs may seem inconsequential, an ant infestation can put your food at risk of contamination.
2. Ants Can Damage Your Property
Despite their tiny size, ants can wreak havoc in your home or garden. Carpenter ants, in particular, have the ability to gnaw through wood, leading to severe structural damage.
3. Possibility of a Health Hazard
Ants are notorious for carrying harmful bacteria and germs, which can easily contaminate your food or kitchen surfaces. This contamination can lead to health hazards, so it’s important to keep your surroundings ant-free.
4. Ants are Bothersome
To be honest, the presence of ants in your house can be extremely irritating. Their constant movement creates a nuisance, and their unpredictable appearances make it even more frustrating.
How to Kill Ants With Baking Soda?
After learning Does Baking Soda Kill Ants? Try the below recipe to make your property ant-free. These hacks work against all kinds of ants species.
Natural Homemade Ant Killer
The sugar in this recipe will attract the ants, and the baking soda will exterminate them.
Supplies
- Baking Soda
- Powdered Sugar
- Jar Lids
- Small Bowls or Lids
Directions
- Mix one part of powdered sugar and one part of baking soda.
- Transfer the mixture to small bowls or lids and place them where ants are frequent.
- When ants consume this bait, the baking soda will interact with their stomach acid, leading to death.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Ant Killer
The fizzing action of baking soda and vinegar eliminates ants and their colony as well.
Supplies
- Baking Soda
- White Vinegar
Directions
- Spread enough amount of baking soda on the ant hill or the group of ants.
- Next, pour lots of white vinegar and wait until the fizzing action stops.
- Repeat the above two steps 2-3 times for better results.
- Ants’ population will gradually decrease in a week or two.
Other Ways to Get Rid of Ants
1. Lots of Boiling Water
Instead of using any pesticide or natural ant killer, use boiling water. It’s a free and effective remedy to get rid of ants. Carefully pour lots of hot water on the ant hill or where you have seen ants. Redo this hack daily until all the ants are gone.
2. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is another effective home remedy to repel the pesky ants from your home and garden. It works because of its strong scent that ants hate the most. Follow this article and make an all-natural ant-repellent spray. This method also works against bees and mosquitoes.
3. Borax
Borax is all you need to get rid of carpenter ants from your property. However, this method works when ants ingest the borax. It’s one of the best ways to get rid of ants. Hop to this detailed tutorial.
4. Boric Acid
Looking for a budget-friendly solution to get rid of ants? You might want to try boric acid, which is known to dissolve their outer shells. Say goodbye to those pesky ants with this powerful ingredient. For this hack, combine 1/2 teaspoon of boric acid, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 cup of tepid water in a bowl. Saturate some cotton balls in this solution and place them where ants are frequent.
Does Baking Soda Kill Ants: Ants Prevention Tips
Ants are social insects that live in large colonies and can quickly infest your home. Here are some tips to prevent ants from entering your apartment:
- Keep your home clean: Ants are attracted to food and water, so make sure to clean up any spills or crumbs immediately. Keep your kitchen counters and floors clean, and store food in airtight containers.
- Seal entry points: Ants can enter your home through even the tiniest cracks and crevices. Seal up any gaps around windows, doors, and pipes with caulking or weatherstripping.
- Remove standing water: Ants need water to survive, so eliminate any sources of standing water inside and outside your home.
- Trim trees and bushes: Ants can use tree branches and shrubs as bridges to access your home. Trim them back to prevent ants from gaining access.
- Use natural deterrents: There are many natural deterrents that can help keep ants away. For example, sprinkle cinnamon, black pepper, or coffee grounds around entry points to repel ants.
- Store trash properly: Keep your trash cans tightly sealed and dispose of food scraps promptly to prevent attracting ants.
By following these tips, you can prevent ants from entering your home and avoid the need for costly extermination services.
When to Contact a Professional?
Here are some situations when you should consider contacting a professional for ant extermination:
- Large infestations: If you have a large ant infestation, it can be difficult to control with DIY methods. A professional exterminator will have the experience and tools necessary to eliminate the infestation effectively.
- Structural damage: Some ant species, like carpenter ants, causes structural damage. If you notice signs of wood damage or weakened structures, contact a professional exterminator.
- Recurring infestations: If you’ve tried DIY methods and still have recurring ant infestations, it’s time to call in a pest exterminator.
Learn how to kill fire ants with dawn dish soap here