What is the ratio of boric acid to sugar to kill carpenter ants?
Question:Isn't it 1-1-1, with a third ingredient? Are there any other effective means of killing them or preventing them from entering the house?
Answers:
My husband buys a box of Borax at the local store. He sprinkles it around the perimeter of our home. They do not like crossing it. That works for any ants.
The problem is that you already have carpenter ants so they have already invaded your home. They generally live in the walls and foundation creating havoc. They happily munch their way through the wood, tunneling. You may see sawdust in some spots around your home in or out. Or it may land on furniture if the ants are also in the attic.
You can make a paste of boric acid, sugar, and milk (the milk neutralizes the acidity). If it is too acidic they will not go near it.
You just mix it to a paste consistency and place it in spots where you see their tunels or nests. The problem with this method it takes time and lots of it.
If you have a severe problem I would call pest control and they can spray. Stay out of the home for a few days while the residue disapates. Maybe take off for the weekend. And remember it can be harmful to pets so ask your vet about that problem.
Carpenter Ants are more resilant that most ants. They are harder to kill.
My guess is the thrid ingredient is water. With all ants as long as you keep distrubing their holes they will get discouraged and move. They dont want to be bothered so if you keep dumping boiling water from the kettle they will end up moving. Hopefully further from the house. Do you have any of those little cans with ant poison in them? If so you can set them on the step outside of your door or any othere points of entry.
Boric Acid itself will kill the ants. Just pour some on them and they'll start to curl up. The sugar is just to get their attention. Put it around the perimeter of your house and you'll be ok.
I dont know, but if you really dont want to kill them and just get rid of them put some pepper down in the area you dont want them in and they will stay away!!
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