Using Boric Acid for roaches is an effective method to get to the root of the problem. Boric acid usually comes in powder form which will then be mixed to become either Boric Acid Paste or Boric Acid Gel. Usually mixed with something sweet to produce a boric acid bait (more details on that later).
If its an occasional visit from the members the roach family, you could keep an eye closed. But usually, the appearance of a couple of roaches should ring the warning bells. Cockroaches don’t come in just a couple but usually the entire population. That’s why, Boric acid is one of the most effective roach control method.
[table id=6 /]What is Boric Acid and How does it Kill Roaches?
So, what exactly is Boric Acid?
Boric Acid is an au-natural product derived from Boron and is actually an antifungal cure-all, according to Dr. Josh from draxe.com ( https://draxe.com/boric-acid/).
As dangerous as it sounds, Boric Acid is actually found in fruits and plants and are harmless to humans and pets when used appropriately. It’s also the key ingredient in most home remedy products like fungal infection,Athlete’s Foot, Eyewash, Acne, Household Cleaner and of course, roach killer products.
How Exactly Do Boric Acid Kills Roaches?
When cockroaches come into contact with boric acid, the powder sticks to the roach and ingested by the roaches when they clean itself. The ingested boric acid cause destruction to the exoskeleton of the roaches and dehydrates their body.
It takes about 72 hrs for boric acid to take effect and delivers the kill to cockroaches. Younger and less-developed roaches will die in 24 – 48 hrs.
1) Boric Acid Roach & Ant Killer
Zap-A-Roach is colorless and odorless powder insecticide obtained from borates that are a natural ingredient in soil, rocks, and seawater. It’s a multi-purpose insecticide that is not just effective towards roaches, but als o kills ants, spiders and fleas as well.
This product can fix wood rot, albeit slowly.
It is estimated for three to ten days to pass before the effectiveness is seen.
- Kills roaches, water bugs, fleas, ants and silverfish
- 100% Boric Acid- odorless, non-staining
- Double value with 2 per pack
- Packaged in heavy-duty resealable Ziploc type bag for convenience
- Requires frequent reapplication
2) Boric Acid Granular Powder
Brand: Florida Laboratories
Very similar to the boric acid by Zap-A-Roach, this product by Florida Laboratories is 100% Boric Acid and comes in resealable packaging.
- Packaged in resealable foil type Ziploc bag
- Flame Retardant (reduced impact of fires on people, property, and the environment)
- Suitable for multiple-use
- Works well on ants
- Duster sold separately
Note: Loose fitting clothing and gloves are recommended when using this product. Goggles are also advised as with a protective mask if the area is dusty. Ensure that there are proper ventilation and store product in a cool and dry place.
3) Harris Boric Acid Cockroach Powder (with Lure)
This Boric Acid Roach Powder by Harris has been around the pest control department for decades.
Harris is not only effective against roaches, but is also effective on other pests like the water bug, Palmetto and silverfish. It contains 99% boric acid and comes with a complementary lure – a straw applicator that helps application in hard-to-reach areas like crevices and cracks.
Even though the product stays on the treatment ground for a period of time, it is also safe to use around pets.
- Also work on other pests (like Ants, Waterbugs, Silverfish and More)
- Puff into Difficult to Reach Areas (i.e. Under Refrigerators)
- Long-Lasting Formula
- Not suited for use outdoor
- Might take some time to kill the roaches
Tip: If you don’t wish to invest in the extension, simply cut spray cap to size you want and the powder will puffs out nicely.
4) Rockwell Labs BorActin Cockroach Dust Insecticide
The BorActin Cockroach Insecticide Powder is formulated to be used in both residential and commercial areas. It is also odorless and does not break down under UV lights or heat.
This versatile powder dust can be used directly as it is, or as a foam or liquid spray. On top of roaches, it also works to kill ants, silverfish, termites, waterbugs and many other pests.
It is moisture resistance and long lasting in nature which ensures that it remains active in terms of killing roaches until being removed.
- Odorless
- Moisture resistant
- Long lasting
- Works on other pests
Tip: Most cabinets have a small gap on the top of the kick plate that allows direct application of the product. Drill a small hole for access if its sealed up.
5) Maxtite 99% Pure BORIC Acid
Many users also use the product as an all-purpose cleaner to help remove stubborn stains around the house. It is made in USA and comes in a resealable container.
- 99% pure boric acid
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Made in USA
Bonus
6) Make-your-own Boric Acid
We’ve also found a video that teaches you how to make your own Boric Acid:
We do not recommend going that route as it’s too much effort and can create quite a mess in the house. Boric Acid is inexpensive to buy off the shelf and one pack can last really long with proper storage.
- Go easy on application – thick layers are not advisable. It does not help and you’ll end up wasting the boric acid.
- Applying boric acid roach powder can be messy, application and reapplication should be done away from children, pets and food areas.
- Exercise care when using the product in food-handling establishments. Go slow and avoid getting it airborne to reduce transmission. Limit the application to a small amount into cracks and crevices in these places.
- In non-food areas, application can be slightly more generous but don’t overdo it until the effect is lost.
- Unused powder should be kept in a dry place away from sunlight to ensure and reserve its longevity.
Pro-tip 1: To quicken the effectiveness of the product and increase your chance of exterminating roach nest, mix powder with sweetened condensed milk until a sticky paste is formed; this will act as the lure for the roaches.
Once the cockroach brings the contaminated food back to the nest for other roaches to feed on it. When roaches died from boric acid consumption, other roaches might eat them up and the poison gets passed on.
[May: Our go-to bait is peanut butter. Give it a try if condensed milks are not available at home.]
Pro-tip 2: Avoid glue traps as a combination with boric acid. If a roach is trapped, the cockroach dies alone and the boric acid effect of domino killing won’t work.
Pro-tip 3: Roach baits work hand in hand with boric acid. Gel baits will help lure roaches to them, something that boric acid alone might not do. In fact, some gel baits use boric acid to kill the roaches. Gel baits can also cover unreachable places by boric acid like around trash.
Common Mistakes: When Using the Boric Acid for Roaches
To get the most bangs for your buck, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Applying too much
Use boric acid sparingly. Applying too much may cause the powder to be avoided altogether. A thin layer should be sufficient and what we are aiming for.
Consider investing in a bulb duster to aid in easier application. The ideal and most effective amount is a layer almost not seen by the naked eye.
If you are using a squeeze bottle, ensure a small opening (cover the opening if it’s too big) and remember to shake bottle before every application.
Mistake #2: Targeting the wrong area
Adopt a targeted approach by hunting down the breeding grounds of the cockroaches. The area where boric acid is applied consequential to the results you get and it is helpful to know what kind of roaches you are dealing with as different roaches have different habits.
Common areas include dark and damp areas like under the washbasins, in between cabinets and underneath refrigerators. Watch out for cracks and openings in walls.
Application in these areas will help in your mission to get rid of the roaches. Spend some time observing before getting into action.
To gauge where they manifest, switch off the lights of the affected area at night. Return after a few hours and you will be able to see where the roaches are congregated and zoom in straight to these areas to effectively get rid of them.
Adding on to this point …
Where to Apply Boric Acid?
Food & Water Source
Cockroaches are always not far-off from their source of food.
A good estimate would be five feet from food and water. Areas where cockroaches have been seen scattering around probably indicated that their nest is nearby.
Seeing roaches in the day should alert you to the seriousness of the problem and action should be taken.
Cracks & Crevices
Start from cracks and crevices in areas where cupboards are joined to the wall. Ideally, sealing up holes and cracks in the wall with silicone or caulk will help. Pipes in the wall are potential hiding places so closing the gap with expandable canned foam or copper mesh.
Sprinkle some boric acid in places such as dishwashers and trash compactors and make sure no stone is unturned. Although cockroaches are attracted to places with food, the bathroom is also another roach hot spot.
Also ensure that pipes are insulated and are not leaking, such that condensation does not provide water for them. Clogged drainage areas are good breeding grounds, make sure hairs are washed down the sinks and drainage pipe.
[May: Some readers had experiences where cockroaches are attracted to their toothpaste (somehow it’s also a source of food to them), hence be sure to cap toothpaste after use!]
In Conclusion
In general, using boric acid for roaches takes effect in one to five days’ time but depending on the severity of the situation, exterminators should be considered as an option for a quick and fast extermination.
However, despite glowing reviews on the success rates from using boric acid for roaches, it helps to include other roach killer options that may supplement the effectiveness.
To go a little extreme, force the roaches into your treatment area. Electronic pest repellents can be used to bring the roaches towards the boric acid. Be consistent in your application and in a month’s time, the pests should clear up.
NOTE: Any product that will kill a roach is usually somewhat dangerous to humans. Therefore, be mindful when using treatment around pets and childrens.
>> Check out this post for our list of organic & Natural roach products