Boric Acid & Roaches
People have used boric acid to fight cockroaches for nearly a century, according to Mike Potter of the University of Kentucky. It is an effective insecticide powder, but you must apply it properly. It helps to understand how boric acid works and how to use it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Action
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As Carrie Swadener explains in the Journal of Pesticide Reform's "Sane Pest Management," the primary killing action of boric acid on roaches is as a stomach poison. It also works as a contact poison.
Electrostatic Charge
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The boric acid sticks to the roaches' legs and bodies because it contains a positive electrostatic charge, says the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program. Because the boric acid stays in place, the roaches carry it back to the nest to other roaches. The boric acid loses its electrostatic charge if it becomes wet or damp.
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Where to Apply
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Apply boric acid powder in places roaches crawl. The University of California suggests you use sticky traps to monitor your roach problem. When you can notice where the most roaches are, that is where you can concentrate. Remember out-of-the-way places such as cracks and crevices, underneath appliances, and behind kick plates of refrigerators. Do not apply on countertops. Although it is not a poison to humans, it is best not to expose children to it if possible.
How to Apply
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The University of Kentucky says to apply boric acid in a very thin dusting, barely visible to the naked eye. Their explanation is that roaches go around large clumps of boric acid just as people move around snowdrifts. Use a boric acid powder container that is no more than two-thirds full and give it a shake first. Puff the powder gently and lightly where you need it.
Advantages of Boric Acid
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The University of Kentucky website outlines the advantages of boric acid. One is insects never become resistant to boric acid; they just keep walking across it, picking it up and poisoning themselves and their nests. Another is it is less toxic to humans and other animals than most insect control substances. Additionally, boric acid is not smelly and it does not contain volatile chemicals.
Expected Results
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"Sane Pesticide Management" spells out the effects of using boric acid for cockroaches. Significant results come in about a week or two. The effectiveness of boric acid after this period is the same, or possibly better, than other, stronger pesticides. What is more, the roaches do not become resistant, so it keeps on working.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit jumping roach image by Adrian Hillman from Fotolia.com
