Boric Acid (H3BO3) is a weak acidic compound derived from boron ore. When ingested by ants, it interferes with their digestive enzymes and disrupts cellular metabolism, leading to gradual mortality. Its low toxicity to mammals and reptiles renders it a preferred ingredient in eco-friendly baits.
Banana Peels contain about 10% soluble carbohydrates (sucrose, glucose) and trace minerals (potassium, magnesium, phosphorus). These sugars make the peels highly attractive to foraging ants, ensuring uptake of the boric acid. As the peel matrix decays, minerals leach into the soil, promoting root growth and flowering.
When ants collect a small quantity of the treated peel and ingest it, the boric acid diffuses through their midgut epithelium, accumulating gradually. Worker ants then carry unconsumed bait to the brood and the queen, spreading the toxicant through trophallaxis (food exchange). Mortality typically occurs within 24–72 hours, allowing colony-wide impact before bait aversion develops.Best restaurants near me
3. Materials & Preparation Checklist
Ripe Bananas: 5–10 with prominent dark spots (high sugar content).
Boric Acid Powder: Food-grade or pesticide grade (10–20 g per 0.5 L solution).
Hot Water: Approximately 0.5 liter at 60–70 °C to dissolve boric acid.
Heat-Resistant Container: Glass or stainless steel.
Protective Gloves & Mask: To avoid inhalation/skin contact with boric acid.
Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing peels post-soak.
Small Trays or Lids: To hold soaked peel pieces in the garden.
Labels & Marker: To date batch and note concentration.
Optional: pH strips to verify a solution pH around 5–6, optimal for bait palatability.
4. Step-by-Step Tutorial
4.1 Preparation of Boric Acid Solution
Heat 0.5 L of water to 60–70 °C—do not boil.
Measure 10 g of boric acid (approximately 2 level teaspoons) and add to the hot water.
Stir continuously until fully dissolved (about 2 minutes).
Allow solution to cool to 40–50 °C before adding peels.
4.2 Soaking the Banana Peels
Peel ripe bananas and reserve the fruit for eating.
Submerge peels completely in the warm boric acid solution.
Cover container; let soak for 4–6 hours, agitating gently once mid-soak.
After soaking, remove peels using tongs, drain excess liquid back into the container for reuse.
4.3 Cutting & Distribution
On a clean cutting board, slice soaked peels into 2–3 cm squares.
Place pieces on small trays, lids, or directly on flat stones.
Distribute under bushes, along ant trails, near foundations, and in cracks where ants forage.
Use labels to note placement date; refresh every 5–7 days or after heavy rain.
4.4 Colony Elimination & Fertilization
CONTINUE READING ON THE NEXT PAGE 🥰💕
