Identify the ants. Sugar ants are the common name for Argentine ants. They are often found in the southern half of the United States. Argentine ants are about 1/8 inch in length and light brown to brown in color. They have slender bodies with slightly triangle-shaped heads. Find them in homes or plants with sweet nectar or fruit.
Remove the label from a clean glass jar and screw on the metal lid. Position the sharp end of a screwdriver or large nail on the top of the lid. Pound the tool with a hammer until you make a small hole in the lid.
Soak several cotton balls with bait. Sweet substances attract Argentine ants so you can use sugar water to catch them. Mix together one part sugar to two parts water and saturate the cotton with the mixture. Place the cotton balls in the bottom of the glass jar. Replace the lid.
Set the jar right next to an ant trail if you see one or next to bushes or trees with flowers or fruit. The jar should contain several ants within a few hours or you may need to move the jar to a different location. The ants will not be able to escape the jar so you will not have to touch them and risk getting bitten.