How to Kill Ants in an Apartment

Getting rid of ants in an apartment can be more difficult than killing them off permanently in a residential home. You can control the environment in your own apartment, but you cannot do much about your neighbors' environment. For this reason, since the task will likely have a long duration, it is wise to kill ants using natural methods rather than chemicals whenever possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Chili powder
  • Black pepper
  • Borax crystals
  • Sugar crystals
  • Plastic resealable bags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take a few days to observe the ants and track their traveling patterns. This may be difficult to do but delaying your attack a few days could make a difference in how effective your efforts will be. Note where they appear to enter and exit the apartment.

    • 2

      Place 4 tbsp. black pepper and 4 tbsp. chili powder in a resealable plastic bag. Shake the mixture up.

    • 3

      Place 1 cup sugar and 1 cup borax crystals in a plastic bag. Shake these up as well. The sugar will attract the ants, but when they carry the borax back along with the sugar, it will dehydrate and eventually kill them.

    • 4

      Spread the sugar and borax powder mix along any entrances to your apartment. It should go around both doors and windows. Also, place it along the back edges of counters in kitchens and bathrooms, since ants will often target these areas to get water. If you have any interior entrances for the ants, place the mixture there as well.

    • 5

      Use the spicy powder to make ants sick and drive them away. The powder should go on the outside of your apartment in doorways and on windowsills. You can also use it on any landing areas to keep ants out and potentially kill them if they ingest it.