Answer

Yes, baking soda can kill ants, but it’s not the baking soda alone that does the trick. It needs to be combined with something sweet to attract the ants, such as sugar or powdered sugar. The mixture works as a slow-acting poison.

Here’s how it works and why it’s effective (and some caveats):

Mechanism:

1. Attraction: The sugar attracts the ants. They are drawn to the sweet substance and readily consume it.
2. Ingestion: The ants carry the mixture back to their colony and share it with other ants, including the queen.
3. Reaction: When ants ingest baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), it reacts with the acid in their digestive system. This reaction produces carbon dioxide gas.
4. Disruption: Ants cannot release gas in the same way that mammals do. The build-up of carbon dioxide in their digestive system disrupts their internal pH balance and can eventually lead to their death.
5. Desiccation (Possible): While not the primary mechanism, some believe that the baking soda can also have a desiccant effect, drawing moisture out of the ants and further contributing to their demise.

How to Use It:

• Mixing: Combine equal parts of baking soda and sugar (e.g., 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 tablespoon sugar or powdered sugar). Powdered sugar is often preferred because it mixes more thoroughly and is easier for ants to carry.
• Placement: Place the mixture in shallow containers or on small pieces of cardboard in areas where you see ants. Common locations include near ant trails, entry points, and food sources. Be sure to keep the mixture dry; moisture will make it less effective.
• Patience: It takes time for the ants to consume the bait and for the baking soda to take effect. You may not see immediate results. It can take several days or even a week or two to significantly reduce the ant population.
• Replenishment: Regularly check the bait stations and replenish the mixture as needed. Keep it fresh and dry.

Effectiveness Considerations:

• Ant Species: The effectiveness of baking soda and sugar may vary depending on the species of ant. Some ant species are more attracted to sugar than others. Some species may have different digestive systems that are more or less susceptible to the effects of baking soda.
• Alternative Food Sources: If ants have access to other food sources, they may not be as attracted to the baking soda and sugar mixture. Remove or secure other potential food sources to increase the effectiveness of the bait.
• Concentration: The ratio of baking soda to sugar is important. Too much baking soda and the ants may be repelled. Too little, and the ants might survive. A 1:1 ratio is generally recommended.
• Location: The bait must be placed where the ants will find it. Observe ant trails and place the bait directly in their path.
• Colony Size: For large ant colonies, baking soda and sugar alone may not be sufficient to eliminate the entire colony. In such cases, other methods of pest control may be necessary.
• Not an Instant Solution: Baking soda mixed with sugar is not a fast-acting solution like some chemical insecticides. It works gradually, allowing the ants to carry the bait back to the colony and spread it to other ants.
• Borax (Borax/Sugar mixtures are often more effective): Another home remedy involves borax (sodium borate) and sugar. Borax is generally considered more toxic to ants than baking soda. However, it’s important to use borax carefully, as it can be harmful to pets and children if ingested. Borax is an ingredient in many commercially available ant baits.

Safety Considerations:

• Pets and Children: While baking soda is generally considered safe, it’s important to keep the bait out of reach of pets and children. Ingesting large amounts of baking soda can be harmful.
• Direct Application: Avoid directly sprinkling baking soda on ants. This is not an effective method of control and may actually repel them.
• Other Control Methods: If the baking soda and sugar mixture is not effective, consider using other ant control methods, such as commercially available ant baits or contacting a professional pest control service.

In Summary: Baking soda can contribute to ant control when mixed with a sweet attractant, but its effectiveness depends on various factors, including the ant species, availability of other food sources, and proper application. It’s a slow-acting method and may not be sufficient for large infestations. It is also less effective than Borax-based baits.