Borax. A seemingly innocuous ingredient you sometimes see on recipes for homemade bubbles. It may seem like just another boring ingredient, but this combination of sodium, oxygen, water, and boron packs a powerful punch and can be used in a ton of ways around the house.
By placing borax on wax paper and sliding it under appliances like the fridge, you can create a barrier that keeps ants at bay without the need for harsh chemicals. Let’s delve into how to implement this eco-friendly ant control method.
1. Gather Your Materials: Start by collecting borax powder and wax paper. Borax is typically available in the laundry aisle of grocery stores, and wax paper can be found in the kitchen or baking section.
2. Prepare the Borax Solution: Mix a small amount of borax with powdered sugar or honey in a bowl. The sweetness attracts the ants, while the borax acts as a lethal agent when ingested.
3. Cut Wax Paper Strips: Cut strips of wax paper into smaller pieces, about 3-4 inches wide and long enough to slide easily under appliances like the fridge.
4. Apply the Borax Mixture: Spoon a small amount of the borax solution onto the center of each wax paper strip. Be careful not to over apply, as you want to attract ants without creating a mess.
5. Slide Under Appliances: Carefully slide the wax paper strips with the borax mixture under appliances where ants are commonly seen, such as the fridge, stove, or dishwasher. Ensure the strips are placed in areas inaccessible to pets and children.
6. Monitor and Replace: Check the wax paper strips regularly to see if ants are attracted to the borax mixture. Replace the strips as needed, especially if they become soiled or if the borax has been depleted.
7. Dispose of Ants Safely: If you find dead ants near the wax paper strips, use a vacuum or broom to sweep them up and dispose of them properly. Avoid squashing ants, as this can release pheromones that attract more ants.
Using borax on wax paper and sliding it under the fridge is a simple yet effective method for controlling ants in your home. By creating a barrier of borax-infused bait, you can deter ants from entering your living spaces and disrupt their colonies. This natural approach is safer for your family and pets compared to chemical insecticides, providing peace of mind while keeping your home ant-free.
Below are a few ways you can incorporate this handy formula into your daily routine. In no time, you’ll want to whip out your wax paper and put borax on it! Why? Continue reading to find out how it can help you in your kitchen.
Cleaning the toilet
Forget bleach and hours of scrubbing. Pour a cup of borax in your toilet, let it set overnight.
Give the bowl a little scrub with your toilet brush and then you have a sparkling clean bowl just in time for your morning bathroom run.
Clean your pans
- Borax can help restore your bummed out cookware to sparkling clean.
- Simply pour a bit of borax into the pan, let it soak for about 10 minutes, then wipe away with a soft rag.
- Wash well with soap and water to finish the job.
Nix mold
- Mix borax with a bit of water to create a thick paste.
- Apply this paste to moldy areas and let it set over night.
- The next morning, brush away the powder and rinse. No scrubbing necessary!
Bug killer
Bugs in the kitchen? Gross.
- Give bugs the boot, but placing a mixture of borax and powdered sugar onto a piece of wax paper.
- Slip it under your fridge, stove or anywhere else that seems to attract the unwanted visitors, and let the mixture do the work.
- Change the mixture every few days to get rid of the (ahem) dearly departed bugs.
Wash your undergarments
The washer is killer on bras.
- Try this instead: mix two tablespoons of laundry detergent, 1/4 cup of borax and very warm water.
- Mix well, and soak your undergarments for about 30 minutes, rinse and hang dry.
Fertilize plants
Use caution as too much will kill your plants, but if your soil is short on a boron, using a tiny bit of borax could actually help your plants grow.
Make candle wicks
Need to make wicks for a project or an emergency kit?
- Combine 1 tablespoon of salt with 3 tablespoons of borax and 1 cup of boiling water.
- Soak a long string of twine in the mixture for 24 hours and let it dry for 2 days.
Unclog drains
If you have a slow drain, try borax to help clear things up.
- Pour 1/2 cup of borax down the drain, using a funnel.
- Slowly add 2 cups of boiling water to the drain and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes.
- Flush with hot water.
- Repeat as needed.
While there are many commercial ant traps and repellents available, you might prefer a natural and DIY approach. One effective method is to use borax, a common household cleaner, to deter ants from entering your living spaces.