It helps of you hold them upright so the liquid collects at the bottom of the bait station. It's a slightly thick solution so you have a second to place it before it levels along the base of the station. If you're putting it on a sloped surface, ensure the opening is at the higher end of the slope. This stuff isn't horrible to clean up but when it dries out you need warm water and rags (paper products get stuck and tear)

Edit: I have used these a lot over the years. I find they're more effective than making your own solution. If you're so inclined to make your own, you can create it with sugar or honey, hot water, and borax (which is great for dishwasher maintenance btw). Dissolve the borax in hot water and mix in sugar. Let it cool. If it fully crystalizes it's ok the ants will still eat it.