Boric Acid for Pest Control
People exploring least toxic and effective methods for dealing with insect pests have long used different applications which have boric acid as the main active ingredient. This solution is extremely deadly to even the hardiest of insects, without posing much risk to humans (outside of fetuses). In fact, it has been found that this acid is not much more toxic than common table salt. This doesn’t mean that you should take any pest control methods which have boric acid at their base lightly and sprinkle them on your popcorn; on the contrary boric acid methods need to be treated as though they were very poisonous when you are using them. They should not be left where pets or children may be exposed to them, and you need to wear adequate protective measures when you are applying the solutions.That being said, boric acid remains one of the least toxic pest control ingredients available today. In fact, this ingredient has stood the test of time, being patented for use in insecticides back in 1948. Let’s take a closer look at it.
How boric acid works
Boric acid works in a couple of different ways, depending on the pest involved and the method of application. Some pests such as lice and fleas have an exoskeleton which is susceptible to the damaging effects of the acid; it is abrasive to their exoskeletons both in adult form and to their coverings as eggs and larvae. In other cases, boric acid will work as a poison. It becomes stuck on the legs of the insect as they move from place to place, and when grooming occurs the pest becomes poisoned and will die from starvation or dehydration.
Boric acid is especially notable as a cockroach pest control measure. Cockroaches are both very tough and extremely sensitive; most types of pest control chemicals will not work on their tank like systems, or else are sensed with their sharp antennae. Cockroaches appear to sense particles of boric acid as dust particles, however, and will walk over them like any other insects. Their armor is also susceptible to the acidic reaction.
Boric acid applications
Because of the useful qualities of boric acid, it can be found in many different forms to combat a pest problem. Let’s take a look at a few.
- Sprays. When you are dealing with a visible infestation, boric acid in sprays will kill individual insects that it comes into contact with.
- Dust. Particles of boric acid left in cracks or crevasses will be walked over by insects, which will eventually ingest them while grooming.
- Crystals. Boric acid is also found in some laundry soap, and these crystals can be placed on a clean floor, again with the idea that pests will walk over them. This is particularly useful with cockroaches.
- Feed attractants. An active ingredient in baited traps used for all types of common insect pests.
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