How to Make Cockroach Repellent From Borax

If you live in a subtropical climate, you know what pests cockroaches can be. They always seem to reappear weeks after the exterminator has visited and other than having the house frequently sprayed with pesticides, nothing seems to keep them at bay. While this method is not appropriate for those who have pets or small children, using Borax to attract and kill cockroaches is an easy way to cut down on exterminator visits, or maybe eliminate them altogether.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup Borax
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp. confectioner's sugar
• Water
• Small paper candy cups

Instructions

1. Mix the Borax, flour and confectioner's sugar in a bowl. Add water a teaspoon at a time until a soft dough forms.

2. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1/2 inch in diameter. Store the balls in an airtight container until use.

3. Place the Borax balls in small candy cups (available at craft stores and baking supply stores). Put the cups underneath furniture, in the corners of rooms, in the back of cupboards and behind the toilet. Roaches nibble at the balls and the Borax kills them. It may take several weeks for the infestation to cease. Check in and near the cups every few weeks, and put out new balls at least once a month to ensure the cockroaches don't return.

Tips & Warnings

• White flour is the only type of flour that is appropriate for this method. Whole-wheat flour goes rancid when exposed to air for long periods of time.

• While ridding your house of cockroaches by using this method, you will want to clean more thoroughly than usual for the first few weeks. You may find dead bugs, particularly in cupboards and under furniture.

• Do not use this method if you have pets or small children. Borax is toxic if ingested.