Homemade, natural and pet- or kid-safe ant killers and sprays you can mix yourself.
The homemade ant killer that works indoors: a weak boric acid sugar bait in a closed jar, how to set it, why strong borax mixes fail and which remedies do little.
Independently researched
Best homemade ant killer for outside: a weak borax sugar bait in shaded stations along trails, plus soap spray, pots, garden beds and remedies that fail outdoors.
The best natural way to get rid of ants: food control, sealed gaps, soapy water and a slow sugar bait, plus why vinegar, cinnamon and coffee grounds disappoint.
Best kid-safe ant killers for indoors: Raid child-resistant stations, TERRO bait out of reach and plant-based sprays, plus what Poison Control says about ant bait.
Homemade ant killers for homes with pets: soapy water for trails, plain diatomaceous earth for cracks and weak borax bait in a sealed jar, plus recipes to avoid.
How to make a homemade ant spray: 4 teaspoons of liquid dish soap per quart of water, how to use it, a strength chart, which add-ins help, how to spray near plants.
The best ant killers for homes with pets: TERRO and Raid bait stations, diatomaceous earth and plant-oil sprays, plus why some natural oils are risky for cats.