Why Baking Soda & Sugar Work

Mixing baking soda and powdered sugar can be a surprisingly effective DIY ant killer. It's cheap, uses ingredients you likely already have in the kitchen, and skips the harsh chemicals found in most store-bought sprays and baits.

Baking Soda Powdered Sugar Non-Toxic Simple Bait Trap
Tip: This method works best on trails and entry points, not as a one-time spot treatment—give the ants time to carry the bait back to the colony.

Why It Works

Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

  • Effect: Disrupts the ant's internal chemistry when ingested.
  • Result: Produces gas the ant can't expel, which ultimately kills it.

Powdered Sugar

  • Role: Acts as bait—ants are strongly drawn to sweet substances.
  • Why powdered: Its fine texture makes it hard for ants to separate the sugar from the baking soda.
Together, the sugar lures the ants in while the baking soda does the work once it's carried back to the nest.

How to Make It

This bait comes together in minutes with just two pantry ingredients.

Step 1
Mix Equal Parts

Combine equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar (e.g., 1 tablespoon of each) in a small bowl and stir until evenly blended.

Step 2
Load Shallow Containers

Place the mixture in shallow containers such as jar lids or bottle caps so ants can access it easily.

Step 3
Set Near Activity

Set the containers near ant trails, entry points, or anywhere you've noticed activity.

Tips for Success

  • Use powdered sugar, not granulated—ants can detect and avoid larger sugar crystals.
  • Refresh the bait every few days to keep it effective.
  • Avoid placing it in damp areas, as moisture can reduce potency.
Give the bait a few days to work—the goal is for ants to carry it back to the colony, not to kill on contact.