Borax Ant Killer.-- Cheap and Effective

[TenOC]

For a number of years I have been using Terro Ant Killer to control the ants around and inside my RV. I think it does a very good job, but it is somewhat expensive $5.00 (?) for a 1 oz bottle. The other day I read the ingredients on the small bottle and much to my surprise I found that Borax was the active ingredient. When in FL I use Borax as a very effective control of roaches. One can purchase a very large box of Borax for about $10.00 in the laundry area of most stores Amazon 20 Mule Team Borax. So I decide to make my own ant killer.

The recipe for homemade ant killer is three parts sugar to one part borax. This means that one cup of sugar can be used with 1/3 cup of borax. Mix these ingredients in a bowl to be sure all lumps are crushed and loosened. Add enough tap water to make the mixture thick and pasty, without being runny. Around 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water should be sufficient to attain this consistency. Using a fork or whisk, stir the water into the mix and then add approximately 1/4 cup of syrup to the mix to make it sticky. As added flavor, I add some bacon drippings. This should create a thick goo which will be irresistible to any household ant.

This will give you enough ant killer to last a year or so. Spread the ant killer around the outside of your RV. Inside the RV, I place some on paper towels or cotton balls.

[IAMICHABOD]

Roy&Lynne wrote:
We use DE as it is safe for kids, pets and the environment.

Diatomaceous earth.

Page 3 of thread.....

Dog Folks wrote:

IAMICHABOD wrote:
I have used Diatomaceous Earth for many years, on ants,fleas,and carpet bugs with great success and you can eat it,non toxic to kids and pets alike.

Just sprinkle it around anything that you don't want pests into,or in the carpet to get rid of fleas or carpet bugs.

You can get it at Amazon among other places.

DE is solid, proven pesticide. Just spread it very thin, otherwise the bisects will walk around it and not be exposed.

It must also be kept dry. Worthless when wet.

[Roy_Lynne]

We use DE as it is safe for kids, pets and the environment.

Diatomaceous earth.

[Dog_Folks]

Ductape wrote:
Wikipedia
I recommend readers do their own research on this matter.

As always.

Agreed a 1000%.

Here is some data indicating the opposite of the dictionary article: http://www.networx.com/article/is-borax-really-as-green-as-it-seems

Each person must reach their own conclusion after doing research.


From the Wiki article quoted above:"The lethal dose is not necessarily the same for humans."

[Dog_Folks]

DSDP Don wrote:
Yes, it was a GOOD IDEA to use something that would nicely spread the powder around, comes in many sizes and seals well without dumping it all at once.

As you have such a superior knowledge of pesticide procedures and handling, all you need to carry 24/7 is this number: 1-800-222-1222.



I was most certainly being sarcastic and now know the level of your intelligence! Your above response is even more telling!

So that you may remain un-disturbed by us with lower intelligence, may I suggest you avail yourself to the "Block member" feature available on this forum?
I know I am. Have a nice life.

[Ductape]

Wikipedia

"Borax, sodium tetraborate decahydrate, according to one study, is not acutely toxic.[30] Its LD50 (median lethal dose) score is tested at 2.66 g/kg in rats,[31] meaning that a significant dose of the chemical is needed to cause severe symptoms or death. The lethal dose is not necessarily the same for humans. On pesticide information websites it is listed as a non-lethal compound and of no hazardous concerns.[32]

First registered in 1946 by the EPA as an insecticide with various restrictions, all restrictions were removed in February 1986 due to the low toxicity of Borax, as published in two EPA documents relating to boric acid and borax.[33][34]

EPA has determined that, because they are of low toxicity and occur naturally, boric acid and its sodium salts should be exempted from the requirement of a tolerance (maximum residue limit) for all raw agricultural commodities.[33]"

I recommend readers do their own research on this matter.

As always.

[Dog_Folks]

Ductape wrote:
EPA fact sheet

I sure I will get some grief, and be quoted as unbelievable, and one of a kind, but:

Boric Acid referred to in the clicky, and Borax the OP is using are two different things.

Boric acid is derived FROM Borax usually by the use of hydrochloric acid.

Borax and Boric acid, are closely related but are chemically different.

[Dog_Folks]

wa8yxm wrote:

Dog Folks wrote:


Might want to check some new info here RE : Baking Soda

Dangerous foods

Thanks... I read the article and it explained the dangers of eating LARGE amounts of baking soda.

I was using it in an area protected from the cats (Well as protected as you can get from cats) and even if used a broadcast spreader to cover the carpet I do not think the Cats could lap up enough. but that is not how I use it.. I know it got rid of the ants.. That was the idea. and I did not use but a little.

The dosage is very important in the overall safety of anything including water. Water at the right dosage is deadly.

In small amounts, properly spread, I don't think there is any great danger.

[Ductape]

EPA fact sheet

[wa8yxm]

Dog Folks wrote:


Might want to check some new info here RE : Baking Soda

Dangerous foods

Thanks... I read the article and it explained the dangers of eating LARGE amounts of baking soda.

I was using it in an area protected from the cats (Well as protected as you can get from cats) and even if used a broadcast spreader to cover the carpet I do not think the Cats could lap up enough. but that is not how I use it.. I know it got rid of the ants.. That was the idea. and I did not use but a little.

[DSDP_Don]

Yes, it was a GOOD IDEA to use something that would nicely spread the powder around, comes in many sizes and seals well without dumping it all at once.

I was most certainly being sarcastic and now know the level of your intelligence! Your above response is even more telling!

[Dog_Folks]

DSDP Don wrote:
Food container police, I mean "Dog Folks"...Thanks for questioning my intelligence when it comes to repurposing a food container. UNBELEIVABLE that you thought that needed to stated. There is one every forum!

Did not question your intelligence. If you were being sarcastic, please indicate so. There is no way to judge tone or inflection on a forum.

If you were serious:

You said it was, and I quote you; "good idea." I find that UNBELEIVABLE.

Again YOU SAID it was a good idea.

It is not a good idea and I pointed that out, that is all.

Heck don't believe me, Google it.

I don't know the level of your intelligence, but I now know two things: 1. You have not had any training in the handling of pesticides. 2. You have a thin skin.

Sorry if I offended you, but reuse of food containers for pesticides is not a "good idea." Never was.

[Dog_Folks]

TenOC wrote:

CavemanCharlie wrote:
I don't like the Boarax idea because of it's danger to pets and children. Some of the other ideas are interesting. Although some of them may be dangerous for your pet that is often only when eaten in large quantities.

Putting 5 to 10 DROPS (the amount a 100 ants will eat) is not going to harm pets.

And you know that 100 ants will eat 5 to 50 drops how? I have never heard of that. Source?

If you mean small amounts your are absolutely correct.

But specific amounts?

[DSDP_Don]

Food container police, I mean "Dog Folks"...Thanks for questioning my intelligence when it comes to repurposing a food container. UNBELEIVABLE that you thought that needed to stated. There is one every forum!

[rondeb]

We buy the cheapest Comet (cleaner) we can find and sprinkle it around tires and hoses that touch the ground. Never get an ant. They hate Comet Cleanser. Similar to Borax but actually much cheaper