Dealing with ants indoors can be especially frustrating, especially when sprays and traps don’t provide lasting results. Many people focus on killing the ants they see, only to have them return days later. The reason is simple: the ants you notice are usually just workers, and removing them doesn’t address the colony that keeps sending more.
A more effective approach is to work with the ants’ natural behavior instead of fighting it. Rather than spraying, this method uses a bait that ants are attracted to, allowing them to carry it back along their established trails. The goal is to reach the source by letting the ants spread the bait through the colony, which can reduce the problem longer term.
This simple bait can be made from common household ingredients. Many people use a mixture that includes something sweet to attract the ants and a small amount of borax to disrupt the colony over time. It doesn’t work instantly like a spray. Instead, it requires patience and consistency, because ants must collect the bait and share it. Place small amounts in shallow containers along trails, near entry points, or where ants gather most.
Over several days, activity often begins to decrease as fewer ants return. To improve results, prevention is important too. Wipe down counters, store food in sealed containers, clean crumbs and spills quickly, and seal small gaps where ants may enter. No method is perfect forever, but combining bait with good household habits can make a noticeable difference. With a little time and steady placement, you can reduce ant invasions and keep your home more comfortable.
