How Borax Works to Kill Ants
If you’re tired of seeing trails of ants marching across your kitchen counters, walls, or bathroom sinks—especially in warm, humid places like West Palm Beach or Boca Raton—you’re not alone. Ant infestations are a year-round nuisance in South Florida, and while professional ant control is the most effective long-term solution, many homeowners look for natural DIY remedies to kill ants fast.
One of the most commonly searched and surprisingly effective home remedies? Borax.
In this guide, we’ll answer all your burning questions:
- Does borax kill ants?
- How do you mix borax to kill ants?
- What should you mix with borax—sugar, powdered sugar, or water?
- And how long does it take for borax to kill ants?
Plus, we’ll show you when it’s time to skip the sugar-and-borax and call in a pro exterminator—especially if you’re dealing with persistent or large-scale infestations in places like Lake Worth Beach, Delray Beach, or Royal Palm Beach.
What Is Borax and Why Does It Kill Ants?
Borax (sodium borate) is a naturally occurring mineral that’s commonly used in laundry boosters and household cleaners. It’s not the same as boric acid (though they’re chemically related). When it comes to ants, borax acts as a slow-acting poison that disrupts their digestive system.
Here’s the magic: ants don’t die immediately after ingesting borax. Instead, they bring the bait back to the colony and feed it to other ants—including the queen. This domino effect is what makes borax one of the most effective DIY methods for eliminating entire colonies, not just the ones you see.
But Does Sugar and Borax Kill Ants?
Absolutely. Ants are drawn to sugar, so when you mix powdered sugar with borax, it becomes an irresistible—and deadly—combo.
✅ Tip: Mixing powdered sugar and borax is especially effective against sweet-feeding ant species like Argentine ants, which are common in South Florida homes.
How to Mix Borax to Kill Ants: Simple Recipes That Work
There’s no single “perfect” recipe, but here are three proven ways to use borax to kill ants, depending on whether they prefer sugary or greasy foods.
1. Sugar and Borax Ant Killer (for Sweet Ants)
Ingredients:
½ cup of powdered sugar
1½ tablespoons of borax
2 tablespoons of warm water
Instructions:
Mix until it becomes a syrupy paste. Place small amounts on pieces of wax paper or in bottle caps and set them near ant trails.
2. Solid Borax Bait with Powdered Sugar
If you want a dry version that lasts longer:
Ingredients:
1 part borax
3 parts powdered sugar
Sprinkle this mixture lightly near entry points and known trails. Do not overuse—borax can be toxic to pets and children if ingested in large amounts.
3. Borax and Peanut Butter Bait (for Protein-Loving Ants)
Not all ants go for sweets. Some species, like carpenter ants, prefer protein.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of peanut butter
½ teaspoon of borax
Mix and place inside plastic bottle caps near affected areas. Watch carefully and refresh daily.
How Long Does It Take Borax to Kill Ants?
Most ants begin to die within 24 to 48 hours of consuming borax, but it may take up to a week or more to eliminate the entire colony. Remember—this is a slow-burn method designed to spread through the colony for maximum impact.
If ants are still present after 7–10 days, you may be dealing with:
A second colony nearby
A species not attracted to your bait
A larger infestation that’s beyond DIY fixes
That’s when it’s time to consider professional help.
Why Borax Sometimes Doesn’t Work (and What to Do About It)
Let’s be real—borax isn’t magic. Sometimes, homeowners in Boca Raton or Greenacres will try borax recipes and still see ants. Here’s why:
Wrong bait for the ant species
Not enough patience—remember, it’s not instant
Not addressing the source (like sealing entry points or cleaning pheromone trails)
Food competition—if you leave dirty dishes or crumbs out, they’ll skip the bait
If your DIY borax recipes aren’t cutting it, check out our residential pest control services that go beyond surface treatment. We inspect, identify, and eliminate the source—guaranteed.
When to Call an Exterminator in South Florida
If you’ve tried borax and sugar, peanut butter bait, and every “natural” trick on YouTube—and ants are still partying in your kitchen—it’s time to bring in the pros.
In places like West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens, humidity, moisture, and year-round warmth create the perfect storm for ants to thrive. Colonies can be massive—some with multiple queens—and DIY borax baits just don’t stand a chance.
Here’s when you need a professional exterminator near you:
Ants keep returning despite multiple treatments
You see large numbers around walls, baseboards, and electrical outlets
You find ants in multiple areas of the house (bathrooms, attics, kitchens)
You suspect ants in the walls or behind cabinetry
You’re dealing with carpenter ants, which can damage wood structures
If you’re in Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, or Deerfield Beach, Bugsy’s Pest Solutions provides targeted ant control with no guesswork—and no sugar mix required.
Why Professional Ant Control Beats DIY Borax Baits
DIY solutions like borax can reduce surface-level ant activity, but they rarely fix the root problem—especially when nests are hidden in:
Wall voids
Attics or crawl spaces
Under concrete slabs
Tree roots or soil outside
At Bugsy’s Pest Solutions, we combine expert inspection with strategic treatment, tailored to the exact ant species in your home. Our ant control services include:
Identification of species and colony location
Crack and crevice treatments to flush out hidden nests
Non-repellent insecticides ants carry back to the colony
Perimeter sealing and exclusion to stop re-entry
Family-safe, pet-friendly options
We also offer bundled protection through our residential pest control programs, which guard against ants, cockroaches, spiders, mosquitoes, and more.
FAQ: Borax Ant Killer Questions Answered
Will Borax Kill Ants in the Walls?
- Yes, but only if they leave the wall to forage and bring the bait back. If the colony is deep inside, professional treatment may be needed.
How Does Borax Kill Ants Exactly?
- It interferes with their digestive system and dehydrates their bodies slowly—allowing them to share the poison with the colony before dying.
Can You Use Borax to Kill Ants Outside?
- Yes. Just keep it away from pets and rainfall. Apply borax-sugar paste near ant trails, entry points, or around the foundation.
How Long Does Borax Take to Kill Ants?
- Anywhere from 24 hours to a week, depending on the size of the colony and the ants’ behavior.
What Do You Mix with Borax to Kill Ants?
- For sweet ants: powdered sugar and water. For protein-loving ants: peanut butter. Don’t mix all three—it dilutes effectiveness.
Live in West Palm Beach or Boca Raton? Let Bugsy’s Help You Get Rid of Ants for Good.
Whether you’re in Boca Raton, Sunrise, or Coral Springs, South Florida homeowners deserve ant control that works the first time.
Bugsy’s Pest Solutions isn’t just another exterminator—we’re a veteran-owned, eco-conscious pest control company that tailors treatments to Florida’s unique pest pressures. We know what works against fire ants, carpenter ants, sugar ants—and when borax just won’t cut it.
Serving West Palm Beach, Broward County & Beyond
Schedule Your Free Ant Inspection Today
Still seeing ants even after mixing borax and sugar like a chemist? Let’s solve the problem once and for all.
We offer:
Same-day service in Palm Beach and Broward counties
Fully licensed and insured pest control
Attic sanitation and insulation services for large infestations
Honest inspections and zero-pressure recommendations
Schedule your free inspection and let Bugsy’s Pest Solutions restore your peace of mind—and your kitchen.
