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 There are a number of small, nuisance ants that invade kitchens and homes that can be managed safely with baits if the infestation is not too large. Ant baits can be purchased or homemade. Ants included in this group are odorous house ant, Argentine ant, pharaoh ant and some others. Some ants, however, like carpenter ants, fire ants and harvester ants must be managed in other ways.
Making the homemade bait
The bait consists of a liquid sugar base and boric acid. Corn syrup (Karo Syrup (tm)) makes an excellent base for the bait. A small amount of vegetable oil can be added to the syrup for times when ants seems to be more interested in fats than sugars. You'll need to adjust the fat/sugar ratio depending on your own observations. Most of the time 100% syrup baits work fine. If ants seem to be ignoring the bait stations try adding a little vegetable oil.
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A few drops of homemade bait on a piece of waxed paper. Ants quickly locate the bait and take it back to their nest.
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Example ant bait recipe
Commercial boric acid-based baits are 1-5% boric acid. Available sources of boric acid sources include various boric acid insecticidal dusts (see below), and products like TimBor. Any of these sources are nearly pure boric acid, or borate salt. See the boric acid article for more information. An approximate 5% solution can be prepared by mixing either:
1/4 teaspoon TimBor (0.5g) + 1 tablespoon of corn syrup (10g)
-or-
1/8 teaspoon boric acid dust insecticide (0.5g) + 1 tablespoon of corn syrup (10g)
Timbor is a light, fluffy powder which accounts for the difference in the recipes.
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This mixture should be diluted 1:1, or even 1:2, with water because there is some evidence that concentrations of boric acid greater than 2% actually may repel ants. Depending on the size of the infestation the bait can be used either by placing a few drops on a piece waxed paper or a larger amount in a covered plastic tub in which holes near the top allow ants to enter and exit. Bait stations should be placed near ant trails. Do not contaminate the area with insecticides as this will repel ants from the baits. Protect bait from children and pets.
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Commercial ant baits
Ant baits can also be purchased online and at lawn and garden outlets. Terro is a commercial liquid ant bait (right) that is borate-based and effective for most household nuisance ants. Use the bait holders if pets or kids can disturb the bait.
Borate-based liquid baits are low toxicity and very effective. Keep in mind, however, that baits alone may not eliminate large colonies. The aim is to "knock-back" colonies a few times a year. These ants pose no threat to the home's structure so complete elimination is usually not necessary. Large colonies may require wall void treatments which should be done professionally.
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