The Effect of Boric Acid on Ants
Boric acid, which contains borax and boron salts, is generally very effective at killing ants and other insects. It is also used in consumer products that include toothpaste, mouthwash and laundry additives. Does this Spark an idea?
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Effects
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When ants crawl through the boric acid, it sticks to their legs. The ants then eat the poison while grooming themselves. The acid causes the ants to starve, dehydrate and die within three to 10 days, according to the Beyond Pesticides website.
Other Pests
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Boric acid is toxic to other insects, including silverfish, termites, cockroaches, fleas, crickets, ticks, bedbugs, millipedes, palmetto bugs, boxelder bugs, water bugs, scorpions, slugs, carpet beetles, centipedes, earwigs and grasshoppers.
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Commercial Bug Killers
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Boric acid is incorporated into many commercially sold pest control products, including Garden Safe Brand Ant & Roach Killer, Hot Shot Maxattrax Ultra Brand Ant Killing Gel and Bonide Roach Powder, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Household Products Database.
Homemade Ant Killer
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Boric acid mixed with sugar water is an enticing and deadly lure for ants. The typical ingredients are 1 cup of water, 2 cups of sugar and 1 cup of boric acid powder, although proportions can vary depending on the severity of the infestation.
Precautions
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Exposure to boric acid's potential toxic effects should be minimized through careful application and proper care and compliance with the pesticide's label instructions and precautions, according to the Beyond Pesticides website.
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