Dealing with ants in your kitchen, bathroom, or garden? This homemade borax ant poison is a tried-and-true solution that really works. It targets the entire colony—not just the ants you see—and uses simple household ingredients to get the job done.
Safe when used correctly and much cheaper than store-bought traps, this DIY recipe is perfect for handling an ant problem quickly and naturally.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Easy to Make – Just 3 common ingredients
✅ Kills the Colony – Not just surface-level ants
✅ Budget-Friendly – A few cents per batch
✅ Customizable – Works with sugar or peanut butter depending on ant type
Ingredients
- ½ cup sugar
- 1½ tablespoons borax (powdered, not liquid)
- 1½ cups warm water
How to Make Borax Ant Poison
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
In a bowl or jar, stir together the warm water and sugar until fully dissolved.
Add borax and stir until completely mixed in.
Step 2: Soak Cotton Balls or Paper
Soak cotton balls, tissues, or small pieces of paper towel in the mixture. These will act as bait stations.
Step 3: Place Bait Where Ants Travel
Put the soaked cotton balls on small lids or foil squares and place them along ant trails, near entry points, or where you’ve seen ant activity. Keep away from pets and children.
Step 4: Be Patient
Ants will take the bait back to their colony, where it slowly works to eliminate the entire nest. You may see increased ant activity for 24–48 hours—this is a good sign!
Protein-Loving Ants? Try a Peanut Butter Version
Some ants prefer protein over sugar. Mix:
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon borax
Place a small dab on a piece of cardboard and set it near ant trails.
Safety Tips
✔️ Clearly label the mixture and store it out of reach of kids and pets
✔️ Clean up any unused bait after 48 hours and refresh if needed
✔️ Never place bait directly on surfaces used for food
Final Thoughts: Say Goodbye to Ants the Smart Way
This borax ant poison recipe is simple, powerful, and cost-effective. With just a few pantry staples, you can handle an ant invasion and stop it at the source—without harsh chemicals or pricey traps.
