Most Ant remedies contain baits either Boric Acid (Borax)* or Hydramethylnon (trifluoromethyl aminohydrazone ) as their active insecticide ingredient.
* Borax: sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate
Baits are particularly effective on social insects such as ants and termites, because these pests collect
food and share it with their colony. The trick to using baits is to make sure that the offending ants find the bait, eat it voraciously and take it back to the nest to the queen (trophallaxis). Remove competitive
food sources*. Baits are less effective in areas with abundant food sources that serve as a rival food source. In general, ants that eat a wide variety of foods will be less affected by baits, because the bait will comprise a smaller proportion of their food.
Ants are rather finicky in their food preferences, and may alter them throughout the year. If one bait product isn't attractive, or doesn't seem to be working, try another. Optimal results usually require a sustained period of feeding, not just a brief visitation by a few ants.
Sugar-loving ants are the easiest to control. Apply a ribbon of jelly (1-1/2" x 1/4") to masking tape in the areas where you have seen the offending ants, especially around
water sources and window ledge. Masking tape works great because it stays in place and is easy to remove and discard later. Experts say that mint or mint apple jelly seems to be the most attractive to foraging sugar ants.
Big-headed ants, little black ants and pavement ants prefer grease and protein; in addition, they will also feed on fruit juices. They respond best to protein/grease baits.
A protein/grease bait recipe:
* 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) peanut butter
* 3 ounces (6 tablespoons)
* honey
* 3/4 teaspoon boric acid