Ant Control - homemade traps & bait
method of making traps and bait, using borax and sugar
Ants can cause issues in gardens or potted plants because they dig tunnels and create air pockets around the roots. They can also be present around and on fruit trees and other woody perennials on which the ants may farm aphids. Aphids feed on the sap and secrete honeydew which feeds the ants. The Ants provide protection from predators. This is a symbiotic relationship in which both parties benefit.
Ants can be controlled in the garden using sugar as a bait and mixing in a little borax. There are lots of articles and videos on making ant traps. I chose the following recipe and will include a link to the site which outlines how to make a trap for outdoor use.
1/2 cup (approx. 140ml) of sugar
2 teaspoons of borax
350ml (12 oz) of water
To make the ant bait, follow the steps below:
Pour 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 level teaspoons of borax and 350ml (12 ounces) of water into a glass jar or plastic bottle. Use a funnel if the bottle has a narrow mouth.
Put the lid on the jar or bottle and tighten it firmly.
Shake thoroughly until all the crystals are dissolved, this is the finished bait solution.
Two excellent articles on making ant bait and traps
https://deepgreenpermaculture.com/2020/10/23/how-to-make-borax-ant-bait-for-indoor-and-outdoor-use/
https://deepgreenpermaculture.com/2021/09/05/how-to-make-an-outdoor-ant-trap-to-protect-fruit-trees-from-aphid-and-scale-pests/#how-to-build-a-diy-outdoor-ant-trap-to-protect-the-garden-and-fruit-trees