We can all agree—a trail of ants snaking up the kitchen walls and cupboards is downright horrific. It’s such an unsettling sight, in fact, that it leads some homeowners to look for unconventional solutions, such as cornmeal, to kill off these invasive insects for good.Â
But does it actually work? Let’s investigate below.
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Watch this video to learn more about how you can use cornmeal to kill ants.
Is Cornmeal Effective?
You may have heard claims that cornmeal is a potent ant killer. The theory is that ants are attracted to the cornmeal and eat it, despite not being able to digest it. The grit is said to kill the insects over time, and some claims go so far as to assert the ants that eat it explode.
These claims are simply not true. To an ant, cornmeal is just plain old food, not too different from their usual diet.
Ants are attracted to cornmeal because of its high carbohydrate content—a vital fuel for their activities. Indigestible particles may make the ants feel uncomfortable, but they won’t die.
Using Cornmeal as Part of Ant Bait
While cornmeal on its own won’t kill ants, it can be useful as part of a baiting treatment.
Mix nine parts cornmeal with one part boric acid, which is a proven ant killer. Add enough soybean oil to give the mixture a paste-like consistency. You can also use peanut butter or honey as an alternative—these have an attractive smell that helps lure the ants.
You might be wondering why only a tenth of the solution is the active ingredient (the boric acid). This is to help with timing. The bait’s killing mechanism should be slow enough for the workers to spread the chemical through the colony. Once the solution reaches and kills the queen, the colony will collapse.
Baiting Tips
To get the most out of a cornmeal-based ant bait, follow these tips:
- Place the bait solution along gaps, crevices, and known insect entry points.
- If possible, position bait near visible ant trails or nesting grounds.
- Apply bait around the home’s perimeter to target foraging ants before they enter.
To help prevent future infestations, seal cracks and gaps in your home where ants might enter.
Does Cornmeal Deter Ants?
Another unfounded claim about cornmeal is that spreading it around your home’s perimeter deters ants from crossing through. This is another myth—ants will readily cross over the cornmeal and follow scent trails into your home.
If you want to use cornmeal around your home’s exterior, combine it with an insecticide such as diatomaceous earth. This abrasive powder can cut into ants’ exoskeletons and gradually kill them.
Ant Prevention Tips
Ant invasions can be persistent and challenging to control. Here are more strategies you can use:
- Regular inspections: Regularly inspect windows, doors, and utility openings for cracks or gaps that ants can crawl through, and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. Look for carpenter ant damage to wooden structures.
- Remove food sources: Regularly clean around and under your kitchen appliances, where crumbs and spills can accumulate and attract ants. Make sure food containers are properly sealed.
- Hire a pest control company: If an ant problem persists after you try DIY treatments, you may need to bring in the pros. Pest control technicians can handle large-scale ant infestations (including carpenter ants) and infestations involving several types of insects.
Read Also: What should you do to remove ant hills?
FAQs About Cornmeal and Ants
Does cornmeal deter ants?
No, cornmeal doesn’t deter or repel ants. It’s a food source that actually attracts them.
Will cornmeal kill ants?
Plain cornmeal will not kill ants. It has no insecticidal properties and ants consider it as food.
How do you use cornmeal to get rid of ants?
Mix cornmeal with an ant killer such as boric acid or diatomaceous earth. Use this mixture as bait to be carried back and spread through the rest of the colony. The active ingredient will kill the ants gradually.
What scent repels ants naturally?
Strong scents from oils such as peppermint, tea tree, and lemongrass can deter ants. However, these oils quickly diffuse and lose potency. They’re not a substitute for proper ant baiting and prevention.
What home remedy kills ants instantly?
There is no truly instant home remedy. Commercial insecticides kill ants on contact, but baits that include slow-acting insecticides such as boric acid and diatomaceous earth provide better long-term control by destroying the entire colony.
