Step 3: Place the Bait – 1 minute
Identify high-traffic ant zones, like:
Along baseboards
Under the sink
Near windowsills
Behind appliances
Along countertops
Place your bait stations along these trails. The goal is to let ants find it easily — don’t hide it.
You can tape a cotton ball in place if needed.
Important:
Do not kill the ants you see! Let them take the bait home.
Step 4: Leave It and Watch – 30 seconds
Now, step away. Don’t disturb the area. Within minutes or hours, you’ll see:
More ants than before (that’s good — it means they’ve found it)
Ants gathering, feeding, then disappearing
Resist the urge to clean it up — this is the poison being delivered to the colony.
What Happens Next?
✅ After 24 hours:
Traffic begins to slow as poisoned ants return to the nest.
✅ After 48–72 hours:
The colony starts to die, including the queen.
✅ After 1 week:
No more ants.
If a few return later, repeat the process. It may take multiple placements if your infestation is large.
Customize Your Bait for Different Ant Types
Not all ants are sugar lovers. Some are drawn to protein or grease. Here’s how to adapt your mix:
🍯 For Sugar Ants (most common):
Stick to the borax + sugar + water bait
Optional: add a drop of honey or maple syrup
🥜 For Grease/Protein Ants:
Mix 1 tablespoon borax with 1 tablespoon peanut butter
Add a few drops of water to blend smoothly
Place on a lid or in a small covered container with a hole
Test both types if unsure. Watch which one the ants prefer, then focus on that bait.
Safety Tips
Although borax is natural, it’s not edible and can be harmful in large amounts.
Keep bait away from pets and children
Label containers if placed in open spaces
Store unused borax in a sealed container
Wash hands after handling the bait
Cleaning Up the Right Way
Once you haven’t seen ants for 48–72 hours, it’s safe to clean the area.
Don’t use bleach or strong chemicals initially, as these can mask pheromone trails without removing them.
Instead, make this natural ant-repelling spray:
🌿 DIY Ant Trail Cleaner Spray
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
10 drops essential oil (peppermint, lemon, or tea tree)
Spray and wipe down areas where ants were seen. This erases pheromone trails and deters return visits.
Prevent Future Infestations
Even after eliminating the colony, prevention is key. Here’s how to ant-proof your home:
🚪 Seal Entry Points
Use caulk around windows, door frames, baseboards
Patch holes in screens and weatherstripping
🧼 Maintain a Clean Kitchen
Wipe counters daily
Don’t leave dirty dishes overnight
Store sugar and grains in sealed containers
Empty trash regularly
💧 Remove Moisture
Fix leaking pipes and sinks
Don’t leave standing water (ants need hydration too)
Real Results: What Users Say
“I tried this once after wasting money on sprays and traps for months. Within 48 hours, my kitchen was ant-free. I was shocked.”
— Jenna R., New York
“The ants went crazy for the bait. I left them alone, and by the third day, not a single one returned.”
— Mike T., Texas
“I used the peanut butter version. It worked even better than store-bought poison.”
— Leila M., Oregon
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