Best Bait for Ants: Sweet vs Protein Baits Explained

Sweet or protein?

Ants aren't fussy in principle, but the bait they'll actually take depends on what the colony needs right now. Most Kiwi house ants — Argentine ants, white-footed house ants, Darwin's ants — have a serious sweet tooth, so a sweet liquid or gel bait is the right starting point. If they ignore it, switch to a protein-based bait.

Sweet baits (start here)

Sugar-based liquid and gel baits mimic honeydew, the sugary liquid ants love in nature. They're the go-to for Argentine and white-footed house ants, which trail into kitchens for exactly this kind of food. Look for a liquid or gel ant bait at your local hardware store or supermarket.

Protein baits (the backup)

If the ants walk straight past a sweet bait, the colony may be in a protein phase — feeding brood and needing meat rather than sugar. A protein-based gel bait will get their attention. Some ants switch between the two through the season, so it's worth having both options.

Using bait in a refillable station

The GotchaPest Reusable Ant Bait Station takes any liquid or gel bait. Put a pea-sized amount in the central dish, place the station across the trail, and let the workers carry it home. Because the station is refillable, you can swap from sweet to protein bait in seconds if the ants change their mind.

How much bait to use

Less is more. A pea-sized amount is plenty — the goal is for the ants to feed and leave, carrying the bait back to the nest. Too much bait and it can dry out or go off before the colony is finished. Top up every few days while the colony is active.

How long until the colony is gone?

Baiting is slower than spraying, and that's the point. Workers need a few days to carry enough poison home to the queen and brood. You'll see more ants at first — that's good — then numbers drop off over 1–2 weeks as the colony collapses.