If you have pests around your home, it’s time to turn to science to eradicate them. Many pesticide products are designed to eliminate ticks, fleas, roaches, and other parasites from your home. One method that has been around for decades is boric acid for pest control.
Boric acid has been used for decades as an effective pest control solution. Whether you’re dealing with cockroaches, ants, silverfish, or other household pests, many homeowners wonder if it’s safe and effective to sprinkle boric acid around the house.
Understanding how boric acid works, its safety considerations, and when to rely on professional pest control in Omaha and Lincoln can help you make the best decision for your home.
Is it Safe to Sprinkle Boric Acid Around the House?
How Boric Acid Works for Bug Control
After registration with the EPA in 1948, boric acid quickly gained a reputation as the go-to agent for removing bugs from around the home. Boric acid was initially classified as an insecticide for household pest control, including eliminating cockroaches, fleas, fire ants, termites, silverfish, and other nuisance pests and bugs.
Boric acid kills insects in two ways:
- Ingestion
When bugs ingest boric acid, it disrupts their digestive system and prevents them from feeding. This leads to dehydration and death.
- Contact
If insects walk through powdered boric acid, it clings to their bodies, damaging their exoskeleton and causing moisture loss. Bugs often carry the powder back to their nests, spreading it to other insects and attacking the infestation at its source.
While boric acid is effective, it does not kill on contact. Most infestations require 12 to 72 hours to see results, and severe infestations may take weeks to fully eliminate.
Is Boric Acid Safe for Use Around People and Pets?
The risk to children and pets is low from boric acid, especially compared to other household insecticides. While all pesticides are lethal to an extent, boric acid is nothing like the modern highly toxic formulations.
As with handling all toxins, ensure you wear gloves and a mask, and wash your hands when you finish administering the boric acid around your property. Improper use of boric acid can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, headaches, and muscle weakness. However, pet-friendly pest control practices should always be followed to keep your home safe for pets.
Keep your stash of boric acid away from the kids. Boric acid is safe for use around the house, but you don’t want to find your kid(s) playing with it in the kitchen. Boric acid won’t kill you on contact like many other insecticides.
However, it also won’t kill insects and pests on contact. This insecticide needs around 12 to 72 hours to produce effective results. The timeframe depends on the extent of the infestation and the type of pests you’re trying to kill.
In most cases, it can take a few weeks to kill off severe infestations of persistent pests like cockroaches.
Pets that come into contact with boric acid powder may experience mild irritation. For households prioritizing safe pest treatments, professional solutions may be a more reliable choice.
Common Uses of Boric Acid in Residential Pest Control
Homeowners can use boric acid for pest control purposes both indoors and outdoors. However, due to the powder-like nature of the acid, most homeowners prefer to limit its use to outdoor applications only.
Boric acid powder solutions are a good alternative to other chemical pesticides for homeowners who value organic gardening. When used in pest control applications, BA will kill:
- termites
- ants
- cockroaches
- bed bugs
- ants
- fleas
- silverfish
Sprinkle some boric acid around ant walkways and watch the ants disappear over a week or so. They’ll take the boric acid back to the nest and kill the queen. This effective pesticide is a great choice for homeowners who want to reduce their environmental impact and prevent cross-contamination of the local environment with their pesticide practices.
Benefits of Using Boric Acid
Boric acid stands out as an exceptional solution for household pest control due to its dual nature as a potent insecticide and relatively low risk to humans and pets. Unlike some chemical alternatives, boric acid poses minimal toxicity concerns, making it a safer option for households with children and animals.
Boric acid also offers a long-lasting effect, providing continuous protection against a range of pests. Its versatility and efficacy make it an attractive choice for those seeking an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to pest management.
Application Methods
Applying boric acid strategically is crucial for optimal results in pest control. To combat common household pests like roaches and ants, create a bait by mixing boric acid with a sweet substance, and placing it in areas frequented by the pests to kill them. For a broader approach, use boric acid dust in cracks, crevices, and behind appliances where pests may hide.
To address silverfish infestations, a boric acid solution sprayed along baseboards and in dark, damp corners proves effective. Regardless of the method chosen, it’s imperative to follow recommended application rates and safety guidelines to maximize efficacy and minimize potential risks.
Where Can I Buy Boric Acid?
Boric acid is readily available from grocery stores and big box retailers. It’s usually much more affordable than buying commercial-grade insecticides.
Apply the boric acid to ants’ nests, around cupboards indoors where you find cockroaches, and in the garage and basement to deter pests from nesting. Despite its continued use, many homeowners now prefer professional pest control services in Omaha to ensure a more efficient and long-term solution.
Alternative Pest Control Methods
While boric acid boasts numerous advantages, exploring alternative pest control methods can provide a comprehensive approach. A multi-faceted approach ensures better coverage, helping to address pests at different stages of their lifecycle while minimizing reliance on chemical treatments.
- Essential oils like peppermint, citronella, or tea tree oil can act as natural repellents for certain pests.
- Diatomaceous earth is another non-toxic option that works by dehydrating insects upon contact. Sprinkling it along baseboards, in corners, and behind appliances creates an effective barrier against crawling pests.
- Professional commercial pest control services provide targeted solutions for severe infestations, offering long-term relief by addressing the root cause of the problem. Experts can also help identify hidden infestations and apply a treatment plan that is both effective and safe for pets.
Integrating these alternatives allows for a well-rounded approach to household pest prevention, addressing both mild and persistent problems. A combination of DIY solutions and professional intervention ensures a pest-free home while also preventing future infestations.
Additional Reading: Boric Acid – General Facts (National Pesticide Information Center)
Get Reliable Pest Control Solutions in Omaha and Lincoln from ABC Termite & Pest Control Company
Boric acid can help with minor bug problems, but it isn’t always enough to eliminate a full infestation. When pests keep returning, or when you want a safe, effective, and long-term solution, professional pest control is the best choice.
ABC Termite & Pest Control offers targeted treatments designed to eliminate pests at the source and prevent them from coming back. Our licensed experts use proven methods that are safer, more thorough, and far more effective than DIY approaches.
Contact us today to schedule professional pest control services in Omaha, Lincoln, and the surrounding areas in Nebraska.
