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 (BA) has been used in the US as a household pesticide since around 1948. Is it safe to sprinkle boric acid around your house?
Despite its effectiveness, fewer homeowners rely on boric acid today. Understanding its benefits, risks, and alternatives helps determine if it’s the right choice for your home.
Is it Safe to Sprinkle Boric Acid Around the House?
Boric Acid – How It Works
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.
BA is an effective pesticide to control bugs. After ingesting the toxin, the chemical stops the bug from feeding by upsetting its digestive system. Insects can also perish from boric acid poisoning if they walk through areas where it’s sprinkled on the floor.
The acid enters its exterior, causing cellular damage, dehydration, and death. The insects will also walk the boric acid back to their nest, where they spread it to the next generation, killing the infestation at the source.
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)
Hire a Professional – ABC Termite & Pest Control Company – Omaha & Lincoln
Find a reputable pest control company in Omaha or Lincoln that you TRUST and ask about their termite inspection and pest management services. You may think you are saving money however, a single misapplication could have significant and adverse or deadly consequences for you or your loved ones. Contact ABC Termite & Pest Control in Omaha & Lincoln, NE to talk with an exterminator today!
