How to Spread Boric Acid in Your Home for Pest Control

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Boric acid is effective in eliminating a variety of pests, including ants.

Boric acid is a low-toxic method to control pests in your home. Boric acid comes from the mineral borate. It contains fungicidal, insecticidal and herbicidal properties and will kill insects and other pests upon ingestion. Insects will often walk through the powder then ingest the substance while they are grooming themselves. They will also eat baits that contain boric acid and die as a result. If you are looking for a simple and Earth-friendly way to remove bugs from your home, give boric acid a try.

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Step 1

Sprinkle boric acid on top of high cabinets and shelves for roach control. Roaches like to seek out high spaces and will often choose the tops of these objects to hide and travel. Sprinkle the substance on these areas and the roaches will bring the powder back to their nests on their bodies.

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Step 2

Distribute boric acid anywhere you've seen ants. Ants often travel near the floorboards and walk in trails. Place the substance in these areas and the ants will likely eat it and take it back to their nest to share with others. You can also create a bait by combining 1 tsp. of boric acid, 1 cup of sugar and 1 liter of water. Soak cotton balls in the mixture, then place them in a shallow yogurt cup with holes punched in the lid to allow the ants to crawl inside. The ants will carry pieces of the balls to their nest and infect ants that eat the solution.

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Step 3

Spread boric acid on your floors to eliminate fleas from your home. Apply the substance to your carpeted areas, then use a push broom to work it in. Move the broom back and forth until you no longer see the powder. Sprinkle the powder on furniture and work it in with a small hand broom. Vacuum the floors and furniture 24 to 38 hours after application. Since boric acid is typically more effective in eliminating adult fleas rather than larvae, you may have to repeat the process in a few weeks to eliminate all of the fleas.

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