Boric Acid and Scabies
Scabies is an itchy skin infestation occurring in humans and animals. It is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei arthropod---a tiny mite that burrows into skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although boric acid cannot be used to treat the skin infestation itself, it can be used to help eliminate mites in the overall environment.
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Scabies Mite
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The scabies mite is always a female; she burrows into the skin, laying 40 to 50 eggs in each burrow, according to an Electronic Data Information Source (EDIS) article "Mites That Attack Humans" by P.G. Koehler. The eggs hatch into larvae and nymphs, which grow and also burrow in the skin---a life cycle that takes several weeks and then repeats.
Infestation
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The Mayo Clinic states that these mites, or arthropods, spread infestation quickly via close physical contact. Besides medical treatment, it is vital to eradicate any mites in the environment---spraying boric acid dust as an insecticide on various indoor surfaces is one way to do this.
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Boric Acid
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Boric acid is processed from the mineral borate; about half the world's supply of borates is mined by Rio Tinto Borax, according to a Living with Bugs article on boric acid and borate insecticides. Boric acid powder aerosols are used as an environmental insecticide for many types of pests, including scabies mites; it is unsafe to use on humans or animals.
Contact Insecticide
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Boric acid works as a contact insecticide---it is sprayed as a dried powder over surfaces, behind appliances and into cracks and crevices, where mites pick up, breathe in or ingest the toxin as they move through it, according to the Living with Bugs article. One type of boric acid used on indoor surfaces is PT Perma Dust Pressurized Boric Acid Dust aerosol, which contains 35.5 percent boric acid.
Precautions
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Spray-dusting areas with boric acid should be done with care; contact with dust causes eye and skin irritation and ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the Material Safety Data Sheet put out by Whitmire Micro-gen Research Laboratories. Follow all product instructions, use proper ventilation and wear a safety mask when spraying boric acid.
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