How to Trap Ants
Ants are among the most common household pests. Whether you’ve spotted a trail in your kitchen or noticed them gathering near pet food, ant infestations can escalate quickly. Understanding how ant traps work and when to seek professional help is key to keeping ants out of your home.
How Ant Traps Work
Ant traps, also called ant baits, are designed to eliminate ants at the source. They work by attracting foraging ants with a food-based bait that contains a slow-acting insecticide. Once the ants consume the bait, they carry it back to the colony and share it with other ants, including the queen. Over time, the poison spreads through the colony and leads to its collapse.
This method is more effective than sprays, which only kill the ants you see. By targeting the nest, ant traps offer a more complete solution.
DIY Ant Traps: What Works and What Doesn’t
For small infestations, DIY ant traps can be a helpful first step. Common homemade options include:
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Sugar and Borax: A mixture that attracts ants and poisons the colony when carried back.
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Peanut Butter and Borax: Effective for protein-seeking ants and works similarly to sugar-based baits.
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Vinegar Spray: While not a trap, vinegar can disrupt ant scent trails and deter movement.
These methods may reduce visible ants, but they often fall short of solving the root problem. DIY traps can be ineffective if the bait doesn’t match the ant species’ preferences, if the nest is hidden in walls or floors, or if multiple colonies are present. Without addressing entry points and environmental factors, ants may return even after initial success.
Where to Place Ant Traps
Proper placement is essential for success. Focus on areas where ants are active, such as:
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Along ant trails
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Near entry points like windows and doors
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Under sinks and behind appliances
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In pantries or food storage areas
Avoid placing traps directly in the middle of trails. Ants tend to follow edges and corners, so positioning traps along these paths increases effectiveness.
When to Call for Professional Ant Control
If ant traps haven’t resolved the issue or if the infestation keeps coming back, it may be time to call in an exterminator. Ants can nest in hard-to-reach places and may require specialized treatment to fully eliminate the colony. Orkin Pros are trained to identify the ant species, locate the nest, and implement a customized treatment plan that targets the source of the infestation.
DIY methods can offer temporary relief, but for long-term protection and peace of mind, professional ant control is often the best solution. Contact your local Orkin branch today to for help getting rid of ants in your home.
More Ant Resources
Ants enter homes in search of food, water, and shelter. Understanding what attracts ants, such as crumbs, moisture, and entry points, can help with prevention.
Boric acid is a common DIY method for ant control. Its effectiveness depends on proper use, placement, and whether it targets the right type of ant infestation.
Ant nests can be found in walls, soil, or hidden areas inside and outside the home. Identifying nest locations is key to effective ant control.
What's the Hierarchy of an Ant Colony?
Ant colonies follow a strict hierarchy with roles divided among queens, workers, and males.
Effective ant control starts with identifying the species, locating nests, and using targeted treatments to help manage and prevent infestations. Contact an Orkin Pro for help getting rid of ants.
