How to Get Rid of Cockroaches Using Boric Acid

There are multiple species of cockroaches.

The sight of a cockroach crawling across your kitchen floor or table might be enough to make you shriek or groan with disgust. Cockroaches can carry bacteria that can contaminate food and cause food poisoning, and they can irritate allergies in certain individuals. One highly effective means of controlling cockroaches is the use of boric acid, which is potent, odorless and relatively low in toxicity to humans and pets. You can find boric acid in most grocery and home repair stores.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Baby powder container

1. Fill a baby powder container with holes in the top about two-thirds full of boric acid.

2. Shake the container to loosen the powder.

3. Squeeze the container gently to puff a small dusting of powder onto surfaces where cockroaches are known to travel. Do not apply boric acid to surfaces where food is prepared, such as countertops.

4. Remove any visible accumulations of boric acid that are thicker than a light dusting. If you accidentally release a small mound of boric acid, roaches will probably go around it. Wipe any accumulations away with a damp cloth. Leave a light, inconspicuous dusting so roaches will unknowingly walk through it.

Tips & Warnings

• Some boric acid products come in their own squeeze bottles.

References

• The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture; Cockroach Elimination; Mike Potter
• Colorado State University Extension; Cockroaches; F.B. Peairs; May 12, 2010