This DIY Ant Trap Is Not As Effective As You May Think. Here's Why

Many people prefer natural or homemade solutions when it comes to removing pests. They're often safer and more affordable, and many times they call for ingredients already in your kitchen. Are they as effective, though? Not all the time. One popular DIY ant trap involves baking soda and a sweet substance like sugar or honey. The baking soda can indeed cause ants to meet their demise — but don't count on it to completely get rid of ants in your home.

Baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate) is a magician when it comes to household chores, and there are many genius baking soda hacks to try everywhere from your garage to your garden. It's also useful if you want to eliminate pesky ants. How it works is that when an ant consumes some of the powder, it throws off their body's pH levels, which eventually becomes fatal. Where the problem lies is getting an entire colony to ingest it.

Baking soda will kill some of the ants in your house, but others will recognize the powder as a danger and avoid eating it. Unfortunately, this means it won't reach the queen, nor clear up an infestation. Mixing it with a sugary ingredient is beneficial in trying to lure them in; you just won't necessarily be able to get rid of them all. If baking soda is the only thing you have on hand, though, along with some honey or powdered sugar, it's a non-toxic solution that some people do turn to.

If you'd like to try making a baking soda ant trap, all you have to do is mix equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar. Transfer to a dish, then set it in a spot where you see ants marching — perhaps by a door, window, or outside on a patio. A combination of baking soda and honey can also be a lethal mixture for ants, since they will be attracted to the sweetness but harmed by the baking soda. While it might not be as effective as store-bought traps, it's a safe alternative to those pesticides.

There are other easy solutions for getting rid of ants that are also natural and budget-friendly. Some people use sugar and Borax to get rid of ants, while others swear by cinnamon or cinnamon essential oil. Vincent Luca, owner of On Demand Pest Control, shared an ant deterrent recipe with Martha Stewart — which does include some baking soda, too. Combine 2 cups of vinegar, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of dish soap, and some water. Pour into a spray bottle for the next time ants invade. The solution's strong scent will help disturb the ants' trails.

As with most home issues, natural DIY solutions are worth a shot since they don't utilize strong pesticides, which is especially great if pets or little ones are around. However, if you're struggling with an infestation that has become a headache, turning to the professionals is usually the smartest move. Ingredients like baking soda can still be a hero around the house, just in other ways.