I Tried This 2-Ingredient Ant Trick, and the Ants Were Gone in Days

Got ants? I’ve got an easy-peasy homemade ant killer recipe using baking soda — and it’s nontoxic! After making three lids of bait and waiting several days, the number of ants in my kitchen reduced dramatically.

Here’s how to make my DIY ant killer using only two household ingredients.

• Baking soda
• Powdered sugar
• Jar lids (or something similar to hold the bait, although a container is not necessary)
• Measuring spoon

1. Combine 1 part baking soda with 1 part powdered sugar. I used a 3/4 tablespoon of each, and mixed it together directly in the jar lid.
2. Place the mixture in strategic locations and wait for the baking soda to do its thing. You can use a jar lid or something similar to keep the bait contained, or you can place it directly on the surface where the ants are prevalent.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, know that ants do as well. “The powdered sugar is an attractant for ants, as they are foraging for water and a source of energy,” says David Price, director of technical services and associate certified entomologist at Mosquito Joe, a Neighborly company. 

When you mix powdered sugar with baking soda, however, the ants not only get their sugar fix but also a dose of sodium hydrogen carbonate. “The sodium will react with certain acids within the ant, causing a chemical reaction that will dehydrate its exoskeleton and ultimately lead to the ant’s expiration,” Price says.

Where you put the bait matters just as much as the mixture itself. Instead of scattering it randomly, focus on areas where ants are already active. Start by placing the bait directly along visible ant trails; these are the routes ants use to travel between their nest and a food source. You’ll often spot these lines along baseboards, countertops, windowsills, or near sinks.

Next, position bait near entry points. Look for tiny cracks, gaps around windows or doors, and spots where plumbing enters the wall. If you can find where the ants are coming in, placing bait nearby helps intercept them early. You can also set bait in hidden, undisturbed areas where ants tend to gather, like inside cabinets, under appliances, or behind trash cans. Just make sure the bait is out of reach of kids and pets.

One important note: Avoid placing bait in areas you’ve just cleaned with strong-smelling products like vinegar. While vinegar helps erase ant trails, it can also repel ants from the bait, making it less effective.

Keeping problem areas in your kitchen clean and free of food is essential. Wipe down surfaces regularly and don’t let crumbs or spills linger. You can also use vinegar to clean kitchen surfaces and disrupt ant trails, as it’s a well-known natural repellent. If you’re able to find their point of entry, consider filling it with borax or diatomaceous earth before sealing it with clear caulk to help keep ants from returning.