Will UV Light Kill Ants?

Effectiveness

• A 2007 study by Conservation International discovered that UV traps effectively trapped winged ants. The study examined different types of ants found in a specific region of Cambodia. Researchers used several methods for collecting samples, including observing ants and using a sieve that collected ants crawling across the top. The UV light traps attracted winged species prevalent at night. The ants flew into the traps and could not escape. According to Landcare Research, one UV light trap works for up to several months.

Making a Light Trap

• Create your own UV light trap with a few items from around the house. Mix a few drops of laundry detergent or dish soap into a large pan of water. Stir the mixture with a spoon, creating soft bubbles along the top. The bubbles keep the water from looking smooth and even, which helps attract the ants. Place the pan of water on a flat surface and hang a fluorescent UV light directly above the tray. The ants bounce off the light, fall into the pan of water and drown in the liquid. Some ants die from flying directly into the hot light.

Considerations

• Landcare Research suggests draping a piece of white fabric or a white sheet over the top of the light. As the ants fly towards the light, hit the ants with a flyswatter or pick the ants directly off the light and throw away. The UV light trapping method only works for flying ants. The method will not work for crawling ants in your home or around your yard. The traps work for different types of flying insects, including mosquitoes.

Warning

• Commercial traps use UV light as a method of attracting ants and other winged creatures. Keep in mind that some traps only capture the bugs, but do not kill them. The only way the ants die is if you leave the trap sitting for a few weeks and let the bugs slowly starve to death inside. Emptying the traps before the bugs die lets the insects escape back into the area.