Roaches are one of the most common pests in homes and businesses around the world, yet they can be difficult to get rid of due to their hardiness and resilience.
Many people turn to chemical insecticides to eliminate roach infestations, but these can be hazardous for humans and pets alike, as well as damaging the environment if used improperly or excessively.
One alternative that has gained popularity in recent years is using borax, a naturally occurring mineral salt that is both non-toxic and effective at killing roaches when used correctly.
So, does borax kill roaches? Borax is a popular term in pest control circles, but is it an effective way to get rid of roaches?
Although scientists are unsure, there is evidence that it kills roaches—borax is a poison, after all.However, there’s a problem: roaches are resilient creatures.
They live in all kinds of environments and can survive almost anything. Some scientists believe roaches have adapted to borax by excreting the excess into their exoskeletons.
As a result, borax doesn’t kill roaches as much as it makes them sick. What’s more, borax has serious effects on human health.
It’s highly alkaline and causes irritation to the skin and lungs. So while borax is effective at killing roaches, it’s not a good option for pest control.
What Is Borax?
Contents
Borax is a naturally occurring mineral salt made up of sodium tetraborate decahydrate (Na2B4O7·10H2O).
It has been used since ancient times for various purposes, such as cleaning, pest control, and even medicinal uses due to its antifungal properties.
It is also known by other names, such as sodium borate or disodium tetraborate decahydrate (DTD).
In terms of pest control, it works by dehydrating insects, which causes them to die from a lack of water in their bodies.
However, it does not work on all types of insects.
So, it must be used carefully and only against those that are susceptible, such as cockroaches and ants.
Does Borax Kill Roaches?
Borax is a common household product that’s used for cleaning.
It’s also an insecticide that kills cockroaches and other insects. However, some people wonder whether borax kills roaches without harming humans.
The short answer is yes, borax kills roaches without harming humans or pets. Borax is toxic to roaches because it causes dehydration and interferes with their nervous systems.
As a result, roaches die within 24 hours if exposed to borax. The good news is that borax’s toxicity to humans and pets is low.
However, it is important not to use borax if you have small children or pets because swallowing borax can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
How Does Borax Kill Roaches?
Boric kills roaches by dehydrating them.
When ingested or inhaled by the roaches, it causes them to become severely dehydrated, which leads to death within a few days after ingestion.
The best way to use borax against cockroaches is to mix equal parts sugar and borax together in a bowl or container.
Then, sprinkle or spread this mixture where you have seen evidence of cockroach activity, such as behind stoves or refrigerators.
The sugar will attract them, while the borax will kill them when they ingest it.
Although this method is effective at killing cockroaches, it may take several days before all of them have been killed.
So, patience is key when using this method.
Safety Precautions When Using Borax To Kill Roaches
It’s important to note that although borax is generally considered safe for humans when used correctly, there are still some safety precautions you should take before using it against cockroaches.
Firstly, you should always wear gloves while handling borax so that you don’t get any on your skin.
Secondly, avoid breathing in the dust created by mixing sugar and borax together.
Thirdly, keep children away from areas where you have applied the mixture.
Fourthly, make sure pets cannot access areas where you have applied the mixture.
Finally, make sure not to ingest any of the mixture yourself, as this could cause serious health problems if done so.
Tips for Effective Use Of Borax To Kill Roaches
Roaches can transmit diseases, contaminate food, and are unsightly.Borax is a chemical compound that can kill roaches instantly.
But, it’s important to note that proper use of borax is required to kill roaches quickly and safely.
Use borax to kill roaches:
Place borax powder along the edges of your cupboards, along the edges of your counter tops, and along your baseboards.
Roaches like to burrow into dry environments and are attracted to dark crevices.
Dusting borax in these areas will help prevent roaches from hiding in these areas.
Borax is a natural roach killer because it’s poisonous to roaches but safe for humans. However, you should take precautions when using borax to kill roaches.
For example, you should not mix borax with water, as borax becomes extremely toxic when mixed with water.
If you accidentally mix borax with water, wash with soap and water immediately.
Borax can be used to kill roaches in all areas of your home, including the bathroom, kitchen, basement, garage, and attic.
Roaches also love moisture, so it’s important to keep areas dry. If your home experiences high humidity levels, use dehumidifiers to dry out the moisture.
Borax is an odorless product, which is great because roaches won’t be attracted to it. Borax also dries out their bodies and kills them within a short period of time.
Alternatives To Using Borax To Kill Roaches
If you prefer not to use chemicals against cockroaches, then there are several natural alternatives available, such as diatomaceous earth (DE), which works similarly but without any risks associated with chemicals.
Other alternatives include setting traps baited with food sources like peanut butter, which can help reduce numbers over time but may require more effort than simply applying a chemical solution like borax.
Finally, another option is to hire an exterminator who will be able to use more powerful solutions safely without exposing you to hazardous chemicals.
Also Read: Where Do Roaches Hide?
Conclusion
In conclusion, borax kills roaches quickly because it disrupts their ability to breathe.
Roaches suffocate to death quickly after ingesting borax. Borax also disrupts the roaches’ nervous system, killing them quickly.
Borax also dehydrates roaches, killing them quickly.
Lastly, borax flushes out roaches’ internal organs, killing them quickly.
