Why Most Methods Don't Work

Ant sprays kill the ants you see, but that is only 10–20% of the colony. The queen and most workers are underground. Spray the workers and new ones are sent out within hours. To actually solve the problem you need to kill the colony — and that means bait.

The Borax Bait Method (Most Effective)

  1. 1

    Make the bait

    Mix 1 tablespoon of borax (sold as a cleaning product), 3 tablespoons of white sugar and enough warm water to make a thick paste or syrup.

  2. 2

    Place it near ant trails

    Put small amounts on bottle caps, jar lids or pieces of cardboard. Place them beside (not on) the trail — you want the ants to find it, not be scared away.

  3. 3

    Do not kill the ants you see

    This is the crucial step most people get wrong. Let the worker ants take the bait back to the colony. Killing them here defeats the purpose.

  4. 4

    Wait 3–7 days

    You may see more ants initially as they discover the bait. This is good. Within a week the colony should be significantly reduced or eliminated.

  5. 5

    Replenish if needed

    If the bait dries out, replace it. Keep it fresh until ant activity stops completely.

SafetyKeep borax bait away from pets and children. If this is a concern, use commercial bait stations like Terro or Ant-Rid — they use the same active ingredient (borax/boric acid) in a sealed, child-resistant container.

Natural Repellents for Prevention

Once the colony is dealt with, these will help keep ants from returning:

  • White vinegar: Wipe down surfaces and entry points with undiluted white vinegar. It destroys the scent trails ants use to navigate, so others cannot follow.
  • Peppermint oil: Put a few drops on cotton balls and place near entry points. Ants strongly dislike the scent.
  • Diatomaceous earth (food grade): Sprinkle around entry points, under appliances and along baseboards. Harmless to humans and pets but damages ant exoskeletons causing dehydration.
  • Cinnamon: Sprinkle at entry points. Works as a deterrent but not a killer.

Permanent Prevention: Seal Entry Points

Find where ants are entering — usually a crack in the wall, gap around a pipe, or under a door frame. Seal these with silicone sealant or weatherstripping. This is the only truly permanent solution.

Prevention TipAnts are attracted to food residue. Wipe benchtops daily, store food in sealed containers, empty bins regularly and fix any leaking pipes. A dry, clean kitchen is the best long-term ant deterrent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Usually weather-related. Ants come inside seeking water during dry periods or warmth and shelter during heavy rain. Check for leaking pipes or damp areas — ants need a water source.
Typically 3–7 days for significant results and up to 2 weeks to fully eliminate a large colony. Patience is essential — the slow-acting poison is deliberate so workers have time to share it with the colony.
Yes, but the borax method works on most common household ants including sugar ants, carpenter ants and pavement ants. Fire ants may need professional treatment for large infestations.
Place bait stations outside near nest entrances or along the perimeter of your house. Focus on treating the source rather than spraying the garden, which disrupts the ecosystem and only provides temporary relief.