When looking for a product that can eliminate a number of different insects that are in and around your home, there are a couple of products that you hear about time and time again – Diatomaceous Earth and Boric Acid. I have previously written an article about Diatomaceous Earth, entitled Got Creepy Crawlers in Your Home? Diatomaceous Earth for Insect Control. You can read that article here. The second common product mentioned in a number of articles previously written here and used by many is boric acid for pest control.
What Is Boric Acid?
The terms borax and boric acid are frequently used interchangeably. They are essentially two different formulations of the exact same substance. That substance is boron. While borax has a relatively low toxicity to humans and animals, the same cannot be said for many insects.
Many insects will walk or crawl through an area treated with boric acid and, because of boric acid’s ability to cling to the insect as it passes by, the insect will then bring it back to the nest where the queen and other members of the colony will come in contact with it. While the insects groom themselves, they will ingest the boric acid and their nervous system will then be attacked. Their stomachs will be poisoned and their metabolism will be destroyed. Boric acid will also weaken the insect’s exoskeleton.
Boric acid is commonly used for insects that have been known to groom themselves. Common pests that will succumb to boric acid are ants, cockroaches, silverfish, water bugs and fleas.
How to Use Boric Acid for Pest Control?
When using boric acid for pest control correct application of the product is very important. Homeowners may wish to monitor pest activity to know where exactly the insect travels. To apply boric acid most effectively, scatter the product into cracks and crevices. Doorways and baseboards of your home are usually good targets. Attempt to sweep the boric acid deeply inside these crevices.
Remember that not all of the insects need to come into contact with the boric acid to succumb the product. A few will tread through the substance and bring it back home.
Boric Acid Products
Boric acid is commonly available in dust, powder and gel forms. The most common version for pest control, however, is boric acid dust. Below are some great boric acid products to choose from. All links to Amazon.com.
| Boric Acid Ant and Roach Killer – By: Zap-A-Roach | Boric Acid Roach and Silverfish Killer – By: Harris |
| Boric Acid with Lure – By: Harris | Boric Acid Insecticidal Dust – By: JT Eaton |
Safety Concerns When Using Boric Acid for Pest Control
Although boric acid is a very potent form of pest control, it can also be toxic to humans. Scientists commonly believe that the average individual can only tolerate about 0.16 milligrams or a little more than 5 and a half ounces of boric acid per day. That may seem to be a lot, however use caution around small children and pets. If some accidentally spills on your kitchen countertop, make sure to clean the surface effectively and immediately.
Homemade Pest Control Recipes for Boric Acid Use
There are also a couple of commonly used grandpa Munster style concoctions that work well for pest control purposes.
For the first one, mix 1/2 teaspoon boric acid, 8 teaspoons sugar, and 1 cup of warm water. After the solution is well mixed and the sugar and boric acid has dissolved, use cotton balls to absorb the mixture and then place the cotton balls around the kitchen and other areas the pests are known to frequent.
Alternatively, you can leave the solution out in small containers and either discard or thoroughly wash the containers after they have been used. You may also choose to mix boric acid with other foods such as maple or corn syrup in order to bait ants and and have them ingest the product.
The second solution is used as a spray. Simply combine 1 cup of boric acid powder with 1 quart of boiling water. Let the solution cool, then add the solution to a spray bottle. Spray the solution liberally in targeted areas. This solution is said to work well to eliminate cockroaches.
Conclusion
Boric acid is a well know pest control substance for good reason. Be careful with the product around children and pets and use precautions for yourself for that matter. However, don’t let the pests that crawl around your home know that you are working on their demise. Insert sinister laugh here.
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