Author:
Peter Berry
Date Of Creation:
13 February 2021
Update Date:
1 July 2024
Content
Boron-containing compounds attract insects easily; Boric acid, a derivative of borax (borax), has extremely difficult water repellency properties, so it can be used as a very effective insecticide in the long term by not reducing its potency over time. . Borax can be easily prepared into boric acid or used directly. A solution of boric acid is also available as an insecticide. Borax and boric acid are low-risk insecticides that can cause irritation to the skin and respiratory system when used in high concentrations, but will not cause significant health effects if not swallowed.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Identify the areas to target
Check for possible cockroaches in your home. Cockroaches are omnivores and often go to dark, humid places. Check flooring areas around baseboards, below or around water pipes, food scraps, behind outlet covers, for narrow and difficult to reach spaces that are likely to be cockroach infestation. Cockroaches like to keep their eggs in dark cracks if they are not in a hatching or laying species.
Check these areas for signs of a cockroach infestation. You can use a fan towards those areas or use sudden strong light to drive cockroaches out. Don't leave the bait outside of the insecticide mixed, as this will only attract more cockroaches.
Watch out for areas where cockroaches live, eat, or lay eggs. These are places that often have food or water or are dark and difficult to access. These areas should receive special attention even if you cannot see cockroaches. Boric acid is an effective cockroach repellant because it slowly kills generations of insects.
Check where cockroaches can live for their odors. Cockroaches have scent glands used to communicate and attract mates, they emit a very characteristic odor, some have a pleasant smell, others are greasy and have a musky smell. Those are the signs of where cockroaches were infested and that you should focus on that.- Certain species of cockroaches can sit on elevated surfaces such as cupboards. You should check these areas and clean them up for insecticide treatment.
Clean up areas where food particles are spilled or where there is standing water. This step should be done before preparing or using insect sprays. Wipe surfaces and prevent standing water to eliminate a live source of cockroaches. There is no need for baits when using insecticides, and cockroach eggs are also less likely to spread if female cockroaches lack nutritional supplies. advertisement
Part 2 of 3: Preparation of borax
Use borax if you are not comfortable making boric acid. Boric acid is a more effective insecticide, is easier to dissolve in water and also does less of a long-term hazard to human health. Both can be used in powder form and with the same insecticidal method.
The hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) reacts with the borax (borax) to produce boric acid and the brine. Boric acid will appear as large, white suspended crystals. You can also buy boric acid; It is less toxic than hydrochloric acid, a substance used to turn borax into boric acid. Boric acid is a much more effective insecticide.
- Most commonly sold hydrochloric acid is muriatic acid in the form of a solution that increases the acidity of swimming pool water.
- Extreme care should be taken when handling hydrochloric acid. Use gloves, goggles and respirator (in a well ventilated area) as this chemical can cause serious harm. Keep baking soda on the side to neutralize a strong acid reaction if something unexpected happens. Do not use water to treat acid burns.
Filter the boric acid crystals. Treat excess solution with baking soda to neutralize the strong acids. Do not pour the solution into the sink until the solution is neutralized. Use litmus paper to test the acidity of the remaining solution. Once the crystals are dry you can store them. advertisement
Part 3 of 3: Using borax as an insecticide
Add borax or boric acid in a container. Make sure that the container is clean, made of inert material, clearly labeled, and not damp. Proper storage and labeling are essential to stay safe and avoid accidental ingestion, as boric acid looks like table salt. Preventing moisture will prevent the boric acid from clumping.
- The tomato sauce bottle can be used as a blower to deliver the insecticide powder into the narrow space of the electrical outlet with minimal risk. Squeeze the bottle to make sure the spray works (be careful, don't get the powder in your eyes, mouth or nose). Make sure the hole in the bottle is large enough for the boric acid crystals to pass through easily.
- The boron dissolves in hot water, as well as boric acid can dissolve in water to be poured into a spray bottle. The dry residue left in the boric acid solution is also not detected by insects and is less harmful to humans. However, you need to use a powder if you want to use it near an electrical outlet.
Sprinkle or spray borax or boric acid over the treated area. You do not need to mix it with bait, as it does not act as an insect repellent, but will attach to cockroaches to spread to others. When doing this, be sure not to prepare any food or let the dough rise to avoid accidentally swallowing it.
Remove the cover of the electrical outlet and spray borax into the wall. This is an easy way to access the internal space where cockroaches reside and lay eggs. Use a plastic bottle of tomato sauce as a bellows, squeeze several times for the borax to spray. Close the lid after spraying. Do not use water-soluble borax.
Sprinkle a thin layer of insecticide powder in the treated areas. The insecticide powder will spread through the cockroach's nest when it comes into contact with them. It is best to sprinkle it on the entire surface, but if there are areas contaminated with cockroaches, the insecticide powder will also spread to the others and kill them without significantly affecting their interest in hunting. .
Sprinkle borax powder and dry boric acid on all surfaces of carpets and rugs. The boron destroys cockroach eggs and larvae on the carpet. Absorb the powder after sprinkling for about 20 minutes. Cockroach eggs and cockroaches will also be attracted. Follow any carpet care instructions if available.
- If you are dealing with the carpeted area, you should vacuum the dust shortly after applying borax. Cockroach eggs will die in no time, moreover this powder can irritate the lungs or poison pets and children. You should not leave borax in a place where the dough is often thrown off.
Clean the area with a damp rag before applying borax. Repeat again immediately after or after a few days if cockroaches persist. Borax is a relatively slow but extremely effective cockroach killer. Continue doing this until the cockroaches are completely destroyed. advertisement
Advice
- Borax is an effective and useful insecticide when used for carpet cleaning. Avoid letting your pet approach or walk where it has been handled.
- All jars must be clearly labeled, sealed and kept away from children and pets, as none of these substances are non-toxic.
Warning
- Making home-based boric acid can be dangerous, and hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) should be handled in a well ventilated and protected area.
- In Europe, borax is being evaluated for its potential toxicity to pregnant women. Authorities in the US determine borax is safe, but it is recommended that pregnant women, nursing women and young children avoid exposure to this substance.
