Ant infestations can be frustrating, whether they’re in your kitchen, garden, or any part of your home.
It doesn’t matter where your home is in the US; chances are, you may experience this problem. That’s because more than 231 species and 18 subspecies of ants are known to occur in the US.
While chemical ant killers are effective, many people prefer natural remedies due to concerns about toxicity, especially in homes with children and pets. Most homeowners try to kill ants with ingredients they already have at home. If so, you might have heard that baking soda kills ants.
However, does it really work? Does baking soda kill ants, or is it just another household myth? This article will help you explore everything you need to know about using baking soda as an ant control solution.
Can Baking Soda Kill Ants?
Many people often wonder: Will baking soda kill ants? The answer is yes, but only under the right conditions.
Baking soda can kill ants. However, it doesn’t work very well on its own. For it to be effective, the ants have to eat it first. When they do, the baking soda reacts with the acid in their bodies and creates carbon dioxide gas. This gas builds up inside them and eventually causes them to die.
The problem is, ants aren’t naturally drawn to baking soda. Ants prefer sweet, sugary foods, not the salty, bland taste of baking soda. However, you can make baking soda more appealing to ants by mixing it with something sweet, such as powdered sugar or honey. The sweet ingredient attracts the ants, and once they start eating, they also ingest the baking soda. This combo gives you a simple and affordable ant-killing remedy that can work in a pinch.
How To Use Baking Soda To Kill Ants: 3 Strategies
If you’re dealing with an ant invasion and want a safe, natural solution, baking soda might be your answer—especially if you use it with a sweet lure like powdered sugar.
This simple household item is a powerful baking soda ant killer, disrupting the ants’ internal systems after they eat it.
Let’s look at a few easy, effective methods to use baking soda to eliminate ants at home.
1. Baking Soda With Powdered Sugar
The blend of baking soda and sugar kills ants because the sugar lures the ants in while the baking soda delivers the fatal blow. Ants can’t tell the difference between the two powders, making this method simple and surprisingly effective.
If you’re wondering how ants, powdered sugar, and baking soda fit together, follow these instructions:
- Mix one part each of baking soda and powdered sugar. You won’t need much, just one tablespoon (or two) of each is enough to start.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow dish, such as a jar lid or small plate.
- Place the dish in the area where you’ve seen ants, along trails, near windows, or by cracks.
- The ants will carry the mixture back to their colony, spreading it to others.
Over time, the baking soda reacts with the ants’ digestive system and kills them, helping you eliminate the entire colony.
2. Baking Soda With Boric Acid
Want something stronger? Add boric acid to baking soda, creating a more powerful ant killer.
Boric acid is toxic to ants and enhances the effect of baking soda. However, it should be used cautiously, as it can be mildly harmful to pets and small children.
Here’s how to use it:
- Mix one part boric acid, one part baking soda, and one part powdered sugar.
- Pour the mixture into a small bowl, a jar lid, or a paper plate.
- Place it in high-traffic areas, like baseboards, under sinks, or near pet bowls.
- Check and replace the mixture every 7–10 days or until the ants disappear.
The sugar attracts the ants, while the baking soda and boric acid kill them from the inside out.
3. Scattering Baking Soda
If ants gather in your outdoor spaces, like patios, decks, or gardens, scatter a dry mixture to deter them. However, you should know that wind or rain may wash it away, so you’ll need to reapply.
- Prepare a larger batch using baking soda, powdered sugar, and (if needed) boric acid. Use about ½ cup total.
- Sprinkle the mixture around areas where ants are active, like picnic tables, garbage bins, or entry points to your home.
- Resprinkle after rain or strong winds to maintain its effectiveness.
This method prevents ants from entering your home or gathering around food outdoors.
So, does baking soda get rid of ants? Most likely, if you use it to kill ants with powdered sugar and boric acid. However, if you still seek more potent and natural ways to kill ants, jump to the next section.
How to Keep Ants Away Naturally
Dealing with ants in your home can be frustrating, especially if standard methods like baking soda for ants don’t solve the problem.
There are several ant deterrent natural solutions that work well and are safe for your home and the environment. Let’s look at some of the best ways to eliminate ants using natural ingredients. You likely already have these items in your kitchen or can easily buy from a nearby store.
1. Diatomaceous Earth (silicon dioxide)
Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny water organisms called diatoms. It works by drying out ants by absorbing the oils from their exoskeletons, which kills them without using poison.
To use it:
- Lightly sprinkle the powder anywhere you see ants, especially near doors, windows, and cracks.
- Be careful not to breathe it in or get it on your skin, as it can be irritating.
Make sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth, which is safe for indoor use.
2. Peppermint
Peppermint oil is another great natural ant repellent. A 2020 study even showed it could repel certain types of invasive ants, such as the European red ant.
To make your own peppermint spray:
- Mix 10 to 20 drops of peppermint essential oil with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.
- Spray it along baseboards, windowsills, and anywhere ants enter.
- Let it dry and reapply as needed.
Tip: Keep peppermint oil away from pets, especially cats—it can be harmful to them.
3. White Vinegar
White vinegar is both a cleaning agent and an effective way to kill and repel ants. Its strong smell interferes with their scent trails, making it harder for them to find food and return to their colony.
Here’s how you can use it:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Use the solution to wipe down countertops, floors, and other areas where ants travel.
- You can also spray it directly on ants.
4. Boiling Water
If you find ant hills or holes near your home, pouring boiling water directly into them can help kill large numbers of ants instantly.
Keep in mind:
- Ant colonies are often deeper than they appear, so boiling water might not kill the entire colony.
- Repeat the process for every ant hill you find around your home.
How To Prevent Future Ant Infestations
Even if you manage to get rid of ants using baking soda or other methods, keeping them away for good requires a bit of prevention.
Ants are always on the lookout for food, water, and shelter. If your home offers any of these, they’ll be back in no time.
Here are a few steps you can take to prevent another infestation:
- Seal Entry Points: Ants often sneak in through tiny cracks, gaps around windows and doors, or holes in walls. Take a walk around your home and seal any openings you find using caulk or weather stripping. This stops ants from entering in the first place.
- Keep Your Home Clean: Ants are attracted to crumbs, grease, and sugary spills. Clean kitchen counters, sweep the floors, and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink. Pay special attention to areas behind appliances where food may have fallen unnoticed.
- Store Food Properly: Keep food in sealed containers, especially sugar, cereal, and pet food. Don’t leave fruit or baked goods uncovered on the counter.
- Fix Leaks and Reduce Moisture: Ants also need water to survive. Repair leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or damp areas under sinks. Use a dehumidifier in basements or bathrooms if required.
- Take Out the Trash Regularly: Don’t let trash sit for too long, especially if it contains food scraps. Use tightly sealed garbage bins and clean them regularly to avoid odor buildup.
- Trim Plants Near Your Home: If plants or tree branches touch your house, ants can use them as bridges to enter. Trim them back to reduce access.
When To Call A Professional
If natural methods such as baking soda and DIY traps don’t work, and the infestation worsens or recurs, it may be time to consult a licensed pest control expert.
Signs you might need help include:
- Persistent ant trails despite treatment
- Large outdoor colonies near your home
- Ants causing structural damage (e.g., carpenter ants)
- Allergic reactions or bites from ants
A licensed expert can identify the type of ant and create a plan that works for your specific situation. If you’re in Southern California, Orange County pest control services can provide fast, targeted solutions to stop the infestation for good.
If This Doesn’t Work, Contact Preventive Pest Control
So, does baking soda kill ants? Yes, especially when paired with powdered sugar and applied strategically. It’s a simple, affordable, and eco-friendly ant control method that can help you tackle minor to moderate infestations without resorting to harsh chemicals.
However, if this method doesn’t work or the infestation is too large, it might be time to consult a professional exterminator.
Looking to get rid of ants in your home? Preventive Pest Control can help!
With over 25 years of experience, we offer pest control in the Inland Empire, Orange County, and surrounding areas. Invest in our pest control subscription plan for hassle-free service year-round for better results. No matter the intensity of the problem, call us today and let’s keep your home ant-free.