Ant infestations can be a persistent problem for homeowners in Massachusetts, especially during the warmer months when ants become more active. Whether you're dealing with sugar ants in your kitchen, carpenter ants in your walls, or ants in the bathroom, these tiny invaders can quickly take over your home. Fortunately, there are several methods, both store-bought and homemade, to help you eliminate common types of ants from your property. In this guide, we'll explore what kills ants and share some effective homemade ant killers.

Bait Traps

Bait traps are one of the most effective methods for killing ants. The idea behind them is simple: you place a bait containing poison where ants frequent, and the ants take it back to their colony. The poison then spreads to the queen and other workers, leading to the eventual death of the entire colony.

Tip: Avoid using sprays or other insecticides near the baits, as they may deter ants from taking the bait back to the nest.

How Bait Traps Work

The bait contains ingredients that are irresistible to ants, such as sugar, protein, or fats, depending on the species.
Once the ants consume the bait, they return to the nest, where the poison kills other ants, including the queen.
Over time, this method kills off the entire colony, stopping the infestation at its source.

Common Types of Ant Bait Traps

Terro Liquid Ant Bait: One of the most popular ant baits on the market, Terro contains borax, which is toxic to ants. It’s effective against many species of ants, including sugar ants and carpenter ants, and is known for attracting ants quickly.
Raid Ant Bait: This is another trusted option. Raid’s ant bait contains a slow-acting poison that ants carry back to the colony, ensuring complete eradication.
Combat Max Ant Killing Gel: Ideal for ants that prefer gel food, this bait is highly effective in eliminating common household ants, especially those that invade kitchens.

How to Use Bait Traps

Place bait traps near areas where ants are most active—along baseboards, near food sources, or by ant trails.
Be patient, as it may take several days for the ants to fully carry the bait back to the colony and for the entire nest to be wiped out.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous earth is a natural, non-toxic powder that effectively kills ants by dehydrating them. It’s made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. The powder damages the ants' outer shells, causing them to lose moisture and die.

Tip: Make sure to use food-grade diatomaceous earth. Do not use the pool-grade version, which contains chemicals that are harmful to humans and pets.

How Diatomaceous Earth Works

When ants come in contact with the powder, DE’s microscopic sharp particles puncture their exoskeletons.
This causes the ants to lose water, leading to dehydration and death.
It’s a slow-acting method but very effective for long-term control.

Benefits of Using Diatomaceous Earth

Non-Toxic: Unlike chemical insecticides, food-grade DE is safe for humans and pets. It’s an excellent choice for families looking for a natural solution.
Environmentally Safe: DE doesn’t harm plants or animals and doesn’t affect beneficial insects like bees.
Long-Lasting: Once applied, DE can remain effective for several months as long as it stays dry.

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth

Sprinkle it around ant entry points, along baseboards, or near known nests.
You can also place it in cracks, crevices, and other hidden areas where ants may be entering your home.
Leave it for a few days to give the ants enough time to contact it and carry it back to the colony.

Ant Sprays

Commercial ant sprays provide a quick solution to kill ants on contact. These sprays are highly effective for killing visible ants that you see roaming around your home, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Tip: While ant sprays can be highly effective, they should be used as a short-term solution. They don’t target the nest, so using them in conjunction with baits or DE will yield the best results.

How Ant Sprays Work

Most commercial sprays, such as Raid Ant & Roach Killer or Ortho Home Defense, contain insecticides that kill ants on contact.
The ingredients typically include pyrethroids, which disrupt the ant’s nervous system, causing paralysis and death.
Some sprays also contain insect growth regulators (IGRs) that prevent ants from reproducing, helping to stop the infestation in its tracks.

Common Types of Ant Sprays

Raid Ant & Roach Killer: This is a popular choice for homeowners seeking immediate results. It kills ants on contact and leaves behind a residual effect that continues to kill ants for days.
Ortho Home Defense: Known for its long-lasting effects, Ortho Home Defense provides perimeter protection, preventing ants from entering your home. It can be sprayed around doors, windows, and cracks in walls.
Hot Shot Ant Killer: Effective in both indoor and outdoor applications, Hot Shot works fast and kills ants on contact. It’s great for sudden infestations but may need reapplication to ensure complete control.

7 Homemade Ant Killers

If you prefer natural remedies or want to avoid using store-bought chemicals, there are plenty of homemade solutions that can kill ants effectively. Below are some detailed homemade ant killers you can use in your Massachusetts home. These natural ant killers are effective for most common types of ants in Massachusetts, though carpenter ants require targeted treatments best performed by ant control professionals.

Vinegar and Water Solution

Vinegar is a well-known ant deterrent and killer. The acetic acid in vinegar disrupts ants' ability to communicate via pheromones, which confuses them and prevents them from returning to the nest. It also wipes out the scent trails left by the ants, making it harder for them to find their way back to food sources.

How to Make and Use the Vinegar Solution:

Ingredients: 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water.
Mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Spray it directly onto ant trails, entry points, or nests.
The strong smell of vinegar will drive ants away while preventing them from returning.

Tip: For added effectiveness, you can add a few drops of essential oils such as peppermint or tea tree oil, which are natural ant repellents.

Baking Soda and Powdered Sugar

The combination of baking soda and powdered sugar is a simple yet effective way to kill ants. Ants are attracted to the sugar, but the baking soda disrupts their digestive system, ultimately killing them when ingested.

How to Make and Use the Baking Soda Solution:

Ingredients: 1 part baking soda, 1 part powdered sugar.
Mix the two ingredients together and place the mixture near ant trails, nests, or entry points.
The sugar will attract the ants, and once ingested, the baking soda will cause a fatal reaction in their digestive system.

Tip: If you prefer a more precise application, place the mixture in shallow containers, such as bottle caps, and position them along the ants' path.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is another natural remedy that can disrupt the ants' scent trails and act as a repellent. Ants dislike the high acidity of lemon juice, and it can also kill them when it comes in direct contact with their bodies.

How to Use Lemon Juice to Kill Ants:

Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice, and water.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a spray bottle and dilute with water.
Spray it along ant trails, near entry points, and on surfaces where ants are active.
For additional protection, rub lemon peels along windowsills, doorways, and countertops.

Tip: For longer-lasting results, you can also mix lemon juice with a little cinnamon powder and sprinkle it in places where ants are entering your home.

Cinnamon and Cloves

Both cinnamon and cloves are known to deter ants due to their strong aroma. The powerful smell interferes with ants' ability to communicate and navigate, making it an effective natural repellent.

How to Use Cinnamon and Cloves to Repel Ants:

Ingredients: Ground cinnamon or whole cloves.
Sprinkle ground cinnamon along ant trails or place whole cloves near entry points, such as windowsills, doors, or cracks in the walls.
You can also create a cinnamon spray by mixing cinnamon powder with water in a spray bottle.

Tip: Cinnamon is also a pleasant-smelling deterrent for humans, so it’s a good option for indoor use without causing unwanted odors.

Dish Soap

Dish soap is another simple yet effective homemade ant killer. The soap works by suffocating the ants. When sprayed on ants or their nests, the soap coats their bodies, clogging their breathing pores and causing them to suffocate. Dish soap can also disrupt the ants' communication, preventing them from following pheromone trails and helping to eliminate the infestation.

How to Use Dish Soap to Kill Ants:

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of dish soap, 1 cup of water.
Mix the dish soap and water in a spray bottle.
Shake the bottle gently to mix the ingredients.
Spray the solution directly onto ants, their trails, or entry points around your home.
The soap will coat the ants and suffocate them, leading to their death.

Tip: Dish soap is especially effective for spot treatments, so it’s ideal for addressing small groups of ants or immediate invasions. For larger infestations, you may need to reapply multiple times.

Borax

Borax is a powerful natural compound that can effectively kill ants when used properly. When ants consume borax, it interferes with their digestive system and causes internal damage, eventually leading to death. Borax also disrupts the ants' ability to build colonies, as it can affect the queen when the worker ants bring it back to the nest.

How to Make and Use Borax to Kill Ants:

Ingredients: 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of borax, 1 cup of warm water.
Mix the sugar and borax in warm water until dissolved.
Soak cotton balls in the mixture and place them in areas where ants are active.
The sugar will attract the ants, and when they consume the borax-laced solution, it will kill them.
Alternatively, you can sprinkle borax powder directly near ant trails or nests.

Tip: Be cautious when using borax if you have pets or small children, as it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. Keep the borax out of reach, and use it in well-ventilated areas.

Citrus

Citrus is a natural repellent for ants, as they are highly sensitive to the strong acids and fragrances in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. The acidity disrupts the ants’ pheromone trails, making it harder for them to navigate and communicate. Additionally, citrus oils can act as a deterrent and kill ants on contact.

How to Use Citrus to Kill Ants:

Ingredients: Juice of 1 lemon or orange, water.
Squeeze the juice from a lemon or orange into a spray bottle.
Add water and shake to mix.
Spray the citrus solution along ant trails, entry points, or directly onto visible ants.
For added effect, rub lemon peels or orange rinds around windowsills, doorways, or cracks in walls.

Tip: For extra potency, you can combine citrus juice with vinegar or cinnamon to make a more powerful repellent that kills ants and prevents them from returning.

Call The Professionals at Ransford Pest Control

While homemade remedies and over-the-counter products can provide temporary relief, an ant infestation can often return if not fully eliminated at the source. If you're dealing with a persistent or large-scale infestation in your Massachusetts home, it’s time to call in the experts. Our team at Ransford Pest Control specializes in comprehensive ant control solutions that not only eliminate visible ants but also target the colony at its core.

With 128 years of experience and proven methods, Ransford Pest Control can help ensure your home remains ant-free. Our professionals will assess your situation, implement targeted treatments, and offer advice on preventing future infestations. Don't let ants take over your space—contact Ransford Pest Control today for a safe, effective, and long-lasting solution!

What Kills Ants?