Baking soda is a non-toxic way to get rid of ants. We put it in our pastry, which means that it is totally safe for our home, children, and pets. It is also one of the cheapest ways to kill insects.
Baking soda costs less than any other baits. If you don’t have lots of ants at home and want to deal with them on your own, follow my advice.
As an entomologist, I usually suggest using only trustworthy recipes. That is why here I gathered only those that I’ve tried. Let’s talk more about the baking soda ant killer.
A Detailed Guide on Ants and Ways to Kill Them
It is not appropriate to consider all ants as pests. There are 12 000 types of ants that we know, and only a few of them invade our homes and gardens. Common species that can infest our homes are:
- Carpenter ants;
- Crazy ants;
- Fire ants;
- Argentine ants;
- Ghost ants.
Ants are marvelous creatures, and we must admit it. They can carry the weight which is 50 times heavier than their entire body. They are hard-working creatures that do not stop.
They dwell in a well-organized colony with specific roles for everyone. The social hierarchy of these insects looks rather advanced. However, they can easily destroy all your crops and occupy your house.
Is Baking Soda Safe?
Baking soda is considered to be an organic home remedy for ants. But what is baking soda? It is a mineral that has a salty taste and usually seen as a powder.
The chemical name of this product is sodium hydrogen carbonate. It has a white color and no odor. In the bakery, this substance is widely used for creating air bubbles and pockets in the dough.
You will see this ingredient in your favorite cakes, muffins, and bread. Also, this product can be used to clean stains, and even grime. Some people use baking soda to whiten their skin and teeth. Sometimes it is used as an alternative to pesticides.
Warning! Don’t make the mistake, baking soda and baking powder are not the same. This is not ant killer baking soda. The powder is a mix of cornstarch, and acid mineral latter.
Will Baking Soda Kill Ants?
This question still troubles the minds of scientists. Many of you have heard that the mix of soda and sugar may kill these nasty intruders. Moreover, we all have friends, relatives, or neighbors who have tried powdered sugar and baking soda to kill ants.
They all are telling that these two ingredients explode in the stomach of ants killing them immediately from inside.
For now, it looks like one of the baking soda ants myths. Scientists have never witnessed something like this. This theory has never been proved. However, you may always follow the ants and record the process on your own. What we know, that baking soda can dry up the body of the insect.
FAQ on Killing Ants with Baking Soda
How Does Baking Soda Kill Ants?
Baking soda acts like diatomaceous earth by drying ants from inside. It absorbs the water from exoskeletons of these creatures until nothing is left. Many ants have already learned to avoid this product. This is why people mix baking soda with other ingredients that attract insects, which have a great smell.
Does Sugar Kill Ants?
No, sugar does not kill ants or, otherwise, there wouldn’t be any problem with the insects. On the contrary, sugar attracts ants with its odor. Ants can smell it from afar.
This is why I recommend you to clean your house carefully, paying attention to even the smallest stains on the floor. The preventive measures are better than having to get rid of ants in your kitchen.
How Long Does Baking Soda Take to Kill Ants?
Baking soda kills ants in several hours. This is enough for ants workers to bring the product to their colony and share the deadly ingredient with others. You may notice the effect the next day. So, if you are making a homemade ant trap with baking soda, don’t forget to repeat the procedure a few times to check out whether every insect is dead.
How to Get Rid of Ants Using Natural Remedies?
In this section, I would like to share a few recipes that I’ve promised:
- Mix baking soda and sugar in equal proportions. It will attract ants. Depending on the type of ants, they may be more attracted to peanut butter, jam, or honey. Sprinkle this mix around the doors and windows;
- Another natural ant killer with baking soda is boric acid. Be careful with it as it may cause skin irritation. Mix soda, acid, and sugar together. Remember that the mixture is toxic;
- Diatomaceous earth and baking soda are deadly mixes. It is non-toxic, so you can put it around your house.
Also read:
Baking Soda as Natural Killer
I hope I have answered the question of how does baking soda kill ants for you. You can share your own experience with baking soda in the comments below.
Write your comments even if the experience was rather negative. Which remedy helped the most to get rid of ants? How did you use baking soda to kill them?
References:
- Gardening: Alternatives to Pesticides
http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/WI_KAlternativP.pdf
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