How to Kill Ants With Corn Starch

How to Kill Ants With Corn Starch
Written By
Mary Ylisela
Mary Ylisela
Published: Apr 15, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

There are many chemical products to use to help eliminate ant populations, but these aren't always safe to use around children or pets, nor are they good for the environment. Organic methods exist that allow you to keep your family, pets and the environment safe while ridding yourself of ants.

Things You Will Need

  • Cornstarch
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Extension cord
  • Bucket
  • Dishwashing detergent
  • Water
  • Boiling water
  1. Pour cornstarch over the ant infestation area. Use enough to completely cover the ants.

  2. Vacuum ants and cornstarch.
  3. Vacuum up the cornstarch and the ants, and allow the ants and cornstarch to sit together in the vacuum bag for a few minutes. If the infestation area is outdoors, use an extension cord to reach the area.

  4. Create a soapy mixture.
  5. Mix a few squirts of dishwashing detergent into a bucket of tap water. Pour the soapy mixture over the ant trail. This will remove the scented trail that ants follow back and forth to the infested spot.

  6. The habitat of the ant
  7. Pour boiling water into ant hills to exterminate the ants at the source.

The Drip Cap

  • Ants play an important role in our environment as they are one of earth's garbage cleaners.
  • As helpful as they are in cleaning up food crumbles or animal remains, no one wants ants invading their home or garden area.
  • Pour the soapy mixture over the ant trail.

Photo Credits

ants treasure 1. image by mdb from Fotolia.com

ants treasure 1. image by mdb from Fotolia.com

vacuum cleaner image by vb_photo from Fotolia.com

dishwashing time image by Wayne Abraham from Fotolia.com

Ant hills image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com

Mary Ylisela

Mary Ylisela is a former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and mathematics. She has been a writer since 1996, specializing in business, fitness and education. Prior to teaching, Ylisela worked as a certified fitness…

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