December 18, 2010 Boric Acid for Ant Problems Originally published in the Contra Costa Times by UC Master Gardeners All pesticides are toxic. Careful use of low
toxicity baits can be effective in the home. SUMMARY Q: With the recent rains and cold food such as spills, crumbs, garbage, weather my house has been invaded by dirty dishes, and pet food. If these other To control ants indoors, ants. I heard that you can use boric acid food sources are present, it may be first try exclusion by to kill ants in the house, and that it’s non- difficult to get ants to take ant baits. caulking and otherwise toxic. How do I use it? closing up openings The ant most commonly associated with where they enter. A: All pesticides are toxic; that’s how household invasions in California is the Cleaning up food sources they work. Boric acid, however, has low Argentine ant, although other species will also help. If baits toxicity to humans, pets, and non-target invade homes too. To identify the are necessary, boric acid species when used properly, and it is species of ant you can go to: is an effective yet low- effective on a wide range of insect pests http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn toxicity control. in the home, including ants and 7411.html . cockroaches. The key words here are “when used properly”. Read the Knowing a little about ant behavior and directions on the package and follow ecology will help you manage the ant them exactly. Never leave any pesticide, population. The tendency of the including boric acid, where children, Argentine ant to form columns as they pets, or wildlife can get into it. invade is actually helpful. It will make it easier to use ant baits. Try Exclusion & Clean-Up First: It is common for ants to invade living Boric Acid Is Less Toxic: spaces as winter approaches. Ants There are several active ingredients in provide valuable services in the ant baits, but boric acid is a good choice environment, however, if their nests are because it is effective and relatively non- flooded or their food sources disappear, toxic. Read the product label to see they invade homes in search of warm, what the active ingredient is. Those dry nesting places and food. Any containing boric acid will generally management program should include include the word boric or borate on the closing up cracks and other openings to label. Boric acid is toxic to plants so exclude ants, and cleaning up sources of should not be used around them.
Reissued 2020-03-01 1 of 2
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ccmg.ucanr.edu December 18, 2010: Boric Acid for Ant Problems, page 2
Reissued 2020-03-01 2 of 2