Boric Acid for Bugs: Is it Safe to Use in Your Home?

Boric acid is a mineral found widely in nature, from seawater to soil. But when we talk about boric acid for bugs, we’re referring to a chemical compound mined and refined from boron-rich deposits near volcanic areas and arid lake beds. Though used as an herbicide, the mineral form occurs naturally in many plants and almost all fruit.

Humans use boric acid in applications, from manufacturing fiberglass to preserving wood.

In this article, we’ll explore how boric acid works against pests, how to use it safely and much more with inputs from two board-certified entomologists, Wyatt West and Dr. Nancy Troyano, along with Bernie Holst III, CEO at Horizon Pest Control in Midland Park, New Jersey.

What Is Boric Acid?

Boric acid is a chemical compound created with the element boron. It’s most commonly used as an insecticide, herbicide, fungicide, antiseptic and flame retardant. It’s sometimes called orthoboric acid, hydrogen borate or boracic acid.

As an insecticide, it’s mostly used to kill cockroaches, ants, silverfish, termites and fleas. As an herbicide, it’s best on molds, fungi and some kinds of weeds.

How Boric Acid Works Against Common Household Pests

When insects come into contact with boric acid, it sticks to them. When they clean themselves, they ingest it. Then it disrupts their stomach function and affects their nervous system. Because boric acid needs time to build up in their bodies, it can take a few days or more to start working.

Boric acid will kill any arthropod (insect, spider, tick, mite, millipede) that ingests it. But only arthropods that groom themselves are likely to ingest it, so it’s unlikely to work on spiders, centipedes and ticks. Boric acid can also be used to scratch insects’ exoskeletons, which impedes their ability to retain water. If this is the goal, says West, there are more effective solutions.

Boric acid products come in many forms, including powder, gel and tablet. “Typically, you will see boric acid used in insect baits,” adds West.

Using Boric Acid Safely at Home: Best Practices

First, decide whether you want to use gel, powder, tablet or trap. This will depend on the type of insect, plus the location and environment where you’re applying it.

It is extremely important to read and follow the directions carefully. Boric acid is poisonous and potentially harmful to people and pets. “Mixing more doesn’t mean it’s more effective,” says Holst.
For your greatest chance of success, the keys are:

• Proper placement. Observe where your pests are traveling. With ants, this might be along corners and floorboards. For cockroaches, it might be under the sink.
• Thoroughly clean the areas that are attracting bugs. This will help prevent a recurrence.

If you’re using boric acid powder:

• Handle it carefully. Wear goggles, a mask, gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to ensure you don’t inhale or touch it.
• Sprinkle it along paths where insects travel to maximize effectiveness.
• Vacuum the area within 24 to 48 hours to remove any residue.
• Do not allow kids or pets to enter the treated area until it’s completely cleaned up.

“Use common sense,” says Holst. “Don’t apply products outside before it rains. And you would not want to spray a product or use a granular product near a body of water, because of drift issues and or rain water carrying the granular product into the water.”

Is Boric Acid Safe For Pets and Kids? Risks and Safety Tips

Yes and no. When properly used, boric acid for bugs can be a safe pest control solution , but it should never be inhaled or ingested.

“In terms of pesticides, boric acid is going to be one of the ‘safest’ around,” says West. “We have to remember that at the end of the day, all pesticides are poisons, but when used correctly, they carry minimal risk. Always follow the label! Don’t take unnecessary risks.”

To minimize risk:

• Always follow the instructions for proper mixing, application, storage, and disposal when using boric acid at home.
• Remember that pets and children are closer to the floor and may be more likely to come into contact with boric acid for bugs residues on carpets or surfaces.

Note: If you are exposed to it, follow instructions on the label and contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for more advice.

Other safety considerations:

• Do not use boric acid near pet dishes or on food-prep surfaces.
• Don’t leave it where kids or pets can get to it.
• Don’t use boric acid on decorative surfaces. It can create stains or cause discoloration.

Is Boric Acid Environmentally Friendly?

Mostly. “Boric acid naturally occurs in the environment in soil, water and plants, so in that regard, it is a ‘green’ product,” says Holst. “However, in certain formulations and quantities, it can potentially kill plants.”

While plants naturally use small amounts of boric acid, even slightly elevated levels in the soil can be toxic to them. So any addition of boric acid to your plants or soil will most likely tip the balance from nutrient to herbicide.

It’s also worth noting that boric acid is not known to emit harmful vapors into the atmosphere. It’s believed to be minimally toxic to most birds, fish and amphibians.

“That is unusual when talking about pesticides,” says West. “However, I would not make a habit of going around haphazardly using any compounds containing any derivative of boron. Too much of anything is never good for the environment.”

Alternatives to Boric Acid for Pest Control

If you’re looking for pesticide alternatives, there are plenty of eco-friendly options. Diatomaceous earth, neem oil, essential oils like peppermint, thyme, and rosemary, and homemade insecticidal soaps are all natural ways to get rid of pests. It also helps to keep your garden healthy since stronger plants make chemicals that keep pests away.

Other safe ways to keep bugs away are to burn firewood, spray vinegar on ant paths or pour boiling water on ant mounds.

FAQ

Is boric acid the same as borate?

Like boric acid, borax is also a form of boron, though it’s generally not used as an insecticide.

“They are two entirely different chemical compounds,” says West. “Borax is generally less effective than boric acid as an insecticide. If you are going to purchase either of them, boric acid would be the way to go.”

Borax is most commonly used in laundry detergent, hand soap, cosmetics and fertilizer.

Can I DIY a boric acid pest control formula?

Yes, but why bother? To use boric acid at home, you need to mix it with something that will attract pests. That’s why some people mix it with powdered sugar or other foods.

West says, “I would recommend buying a premade bait instead of going through the trouble of making your own.” “I’m not sure you’d save much time or money by making your own.”

Also, mixing it wrong can be counterproductive. “Mixing at the wrong ratio for the species of pest present can treat one aspect of the problem, but never truly eliminate the issue,” says Dr. Nancy Troyano, a board-certified entomologist.

Premade boric acid for bug baits are safe and easy to use. They come in the right amounts, so you don’t have to worry about mixing them up

Is boric acid safe to use around the house?

Yes, but only in small amounts. ABC Termite & Pest Control says that boric acid is safer than many chemical pesticides that work quickly because it doesn’t kill anything right away.

About the Experts:

• Wyatt West is a University of Georgia alumnus who began his career as a Branch Manager at Active Pest Control. He currently serves as a Training Manager at Arrow Exterminators, where he brings both field and instructional expertise to the role.
• Bernie Holst has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from the University of Rhode Island. He currently leads Horizon Pest Control as its Chief Executive Officer, bringing strategic financial insight and leadership to the company.
• Dr. Nancy Troyano, a Board-Certified Entomologist, brings over 20 years of experience in medical, veterinary, and urban entomology. She specializes in Technical Education and Training and currently serves in that capacity for American Pest Operations at Rentokil.

Sources:

• ABC Termite & Pest Control: “Is it Safe to Sprinkle Boric Acid Around the House?” 
• HRSA: “Poison Control Center”