You can eliminate entire ant colonies with three proven borax baits that exploit ants’ preferences. Mix one cup sugar with one tablespoon borax and honey, then boil into a paste for sugar-loving ants. Create a liquid bait by dissolving three tablespoons borax in hot water with syrup for coverage along trails. For protein-seeking species, combine equal parts peanut butter and borax. Worker ants carry these irresistible baits back, eliminating whole colonies including queens through their natural foraging behavior.
Classic Borax and Sugar Paste Recipe

When dealing with sugar-feeding ants like big-headed ants, black ants, and carpenter ants, the classic borax and sugar paste recipe offers an effective solution with its simple 1-to-3 ratio of borax to sugar.
This borax ant killer mixture creates a deadly bait that sugar ants can’t resist.
This potent borax-based formula acts as an irresistible trap that eliminates sugar-loving ant colonies effectively and permanently.
To make this effective mixture, you’ll combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of borax, and 1 tablespoon of honey in a saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring thoroughly, then let it cool and thicken into a paste.
This bait works perfectly for carpenter ants and big-headed ants since they’re attracted to sweet substances.
Place the bait along ant trails where worker ants will carry it back to kill the entire colony.
Liquid Borax Bait With Honey
For situations requiring a more spreadable consistency, liquid borax bait with honey provides excellent coverage along ant trails and entry points.
You’ll create this effective borax mixture by combining one cup of water, half a cup of syrup, and three tablespoons of borax powder. Heat the water first, then dissolve the borax completely before adding honey or corn syrup for sweetness.
This liquid borax bait will attract ants immediately due to its appealing scent and taste. Pour the mixture into bottle caps or shallow containers, placing them strategically where you’ve observed ant activity.
Worker ants will consume the bait and carry it back to the colony, sharing it with other members to eliminate the entire nest effectively.
Peanut Butter Borax Bait for Protein-Seeking Ants

While honey-based baits work well for sugar-loving ants, protein-seeking species like Argentine ants require a different approach.
You’ll find peanut butter borax bait incredibly effective for these protein-loving pests. The borax will disrupt their digestive system, causing them to die while the peanut butter acts as an irresistible carrier that worker ants bring back to kill the queen and colony.
Here’s how to create this deadly bait:
- Mix 1 tablespoon peanut butter with 1 tablespoon borax
- Place mixture near ant trails and entry points
- Use small containers or cotton balls to contain the bait
- Monitor and replace as needed
This targeted approach works because protein-seeking ants often ignore sugar-based baits, making peanut butter the perfect alternative attractant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Borax Not Killing Ants?
Your borax isn’t killing ants because you’re likely using the wrong ratio, not combining it with attractants like sugar, or placing baits away from ant trails and entry points.
Can Ants Build up a Tolerance to Borax?
You don’t need to worry about ants building tolerance to borax. It targets their fundamental digestive system, which can’t adapt through mutations, and its slow-acting nature prevents resistance development entirely.
Why Aren T Ant Baits Working?
You’re likely using insufficient bait amounts, placing them incorrectly, or targeting wrong ant species. Check if you’re using fresh bait, positioning near trails, and ensuring the concentration’s lethal but appealing.
What Is Best to Mix With Borax to Kill Ants?
You’ll get best results mixing borax with sugar using a 1-to-3 ratio. Peanut butter and honey also work effectively as attractants, creating irresistible baits that ants will carry back to their colonies.
In Summary
You’ve got three powerful borax baits that’ll tackle any ant problem. Whether you’re dealing with sugar-loving ants or protein seekers, these recipes will eliminate entire colonies. Remember, patience is key – it takes time for worker ants to carry the bait back to their nest. Keep baits away from pets and children, and don’t clean up ant trails immediately. Let the borax do its work, and you’ll see results within days.
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