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Does baking soda kill ants?

Ehrlich Answers

"I've noticed quite a few ants in my kitchen. Will baking soda and sugar really get rid of them?"

People often try mixing baking soda and sugar for ants as a home remedy. The idea is that the sugar attracts the ants while the baking soda harms them after they eat it. While this may reduce the number of ants you see, it usually won’t solve the infestation. Ant colonies are large - often into the hundreds of thousands strong - and well-hidden. Surface treatments like baking soda and powdered sugar rarely reach the source.

Things to know about using baking soda and sugar for ants:

  • Results are often slow and inconsistent
  • Colonies can continue growing even if some ants die
  • Ants may simply avoid the mixture if it’s not placed correctly
  • If ants do die, they should be swept up and removed; dying ants release pheromones, which can attract even more ants

So, while baking soda and sugar to kill ants may help with the ants you notice, it’s not a long-term fix. Ants can quickly return because their nests are protected deep inside walls, soil, or foundations.

What kill ants?

Our technicians can apply a range of ant control treatments, from granular and liquid ant baits, liquid residuals, residual dust, gel baits, and bait stations. The treatment will depend on the size, location, and species of the colony, which is why it’s best to bring in the pros.

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