Baking soda is a common household item with a multitude of uses. Aside from being used as a staple in the kitchen, baking soda can also be used for cleaning, deodorizing, and even as a natural remedy for certain health conditions. But aside from this, some DIY pest recipes also call for the use of baking soda as one of the ingredients.
In a nutshell, baking soda can help kill ants. When used as bait and when mixed with sugar, and baking soda, when ingested can be lethal to these pests.
Baking soda works by disrupting the ant’s digestive system, dehydrating these tiny creatures, and causing death in a matter of minutes.
Is it Safe to Use Baking Soda to Get Rid of Ants?
You know how annoying it can be to have ants crawling on your kitchen counters, sink, and dining table. You always see them crawling around and no matter how many you kill, more always seem to take their place.
You’ve sprayed them with insecticide, and yet they just keep coming back. While it may work for a while, the thought of repeatedly spraying your home with toxic chemicals can be quite worrisome, especially if you have kids and pets at home.
If you’re someone who likes to go with a natural and non-toxic method before trying chemical solutions, then baking soda might be the answer to your ant problem.
Unlike insecticides, baking soda is a naturally occurring substance safe for humans and animals. However, it can be lethal to ants.
Because baking soda is not poisonous, it poses no threat to your family, including your pets, when accidentally ingested. This makes it a safe and effective way to get rid of ants.
How to Kill Ants with DIY Baking Soda Recipe
Mixing your own ant killer with baking soda is a great way to save money and avoid using harsh chemicals. If you’re considering using baking soda, here’s a quick and simple recipe you can follow.
- Mix equal parts of baking soda and sugar.
- As an optional step, you can also add a bit of cornstarch to help the mixture stick together.
- Next, find an ant trail and sprinkle the mixture generously over it. Thanks to the sugar added to your recipe, ants will be highly attracted to it, carrying the mixture you did back to their nest.
- Once the baking soda gets into the nest, the mixture will begin to work its magic and eventually kill all the ants.
- To keep ants away, continue to sprinkle baking soda around your home, particularly in areas where these pests are frequently seen. You can also keep a small container of the mixture near these areas so you can quickly sprinkle it whenever you see ants.
Pros and Cons of Using Baking Soda as an Ant Pest Control Solution
A lot of homeowners are pretty happy with the results they get from using baking soda to get rid of ants. Not only is it effective, but it’s also very affordable and readily available.
You probably already have a box of baking soda sitting in your kitchen right now. If you’re contemplating whether or not to use it as an ant killer, here are some pros and cons to help you make your decision.
Pros:
Here are some reasons why baking soda is a good option for your ant problems.
Baking Soda is a Natural and Non-Toxic Substance
It doesn’t get better than this. The common problem with some DIY pest control solutions is that some are too mild and ineffective, while others are too strong and can be harmful to humans and animals.
Baking soda is neither of these. It’s a completely natural substance that won’t harm you, your family, or your pets.
It’s Also Very Affordable
Baking soda is very cheap. A box of baking soda usually costs less than a dollar, and it can last you for months.
Baking Soda is Readily Available
You can find baking soda in any grocery store. You probably already have a box at home that you can use right away. Because it’s a common ingredient, you won’t have to worry about looking for particular stores or ordering it online.
It’s Easy to Use
Unlike other DIY solutions, making it and using it is very simple. You don’t need any special skills or knowledge to do it. Just mix some baking soda with sugar and sprinkle it over areas where ants are frequently seen.
Cons:
Despite all the advantages, it also comes with its own set of disadvantages.
It May Not Be as Effective as Other Solutions
Although it works, its effectiveness may not be at the same level as some chemical solutions. It’s a natural remedy, so don’t expect it to work as quickly or as efficiently as pesticides.
Baking Soda is Messy
Unlike insecticide, which comes in a spray bottle, baking soda is a powdery substance. This means that it can be quite messy to apply, especially if you’re not careful. Windy areas can also make it difficult to control where the powder goes.
It May Not Be as Effective as Other Solutions
Baking soda is effective in getting rid of ants, but it may not be strong enough to completely eliminate an ant problem. A severe ant infestation calls for a proper insecticide solution.
You Need to Be Consistent
To achieve the best results, you need to be consistent with your application. You need to keep applying it regularly, especially in areas where ants are frequently seen.
If you’re not consistent, these ants will reproduce quickly, and you’ll be back to where you started.
Final Thoughts
Baking soda has been proven to be a worthy ingredient to always have in the kitchen. Not only can it be used for baking, but it can also be used as a cleaning agent and even as a pest control solution.
When it comes to killing ants, baking soda is an effective and affordable solution. Its ease of use also makes it a popular choice for occasional ants that are commonly seen in the kitchen or bathroom.
However, it’s important to remember that baking soda is not a cure-all for ant problems. If you have a severe ant infestation, it’s still always best to resort to products that are particularly formulated to kill ants and their colonies.
