Insects are easily attracted to compounds containing boron, and boric acid (a derivative of borax) has very low repellent properties so it can be used as an effective long-term pesticide with quality that does not decrease over time. Borax can be processed into boric acid easily, or it can be used as is without being processed. Boric acid is also available in the form of pesticides. Borax and boric acid are low-risk pesticides that can cause skin and respiratory tract irritation (in high concentrations). However, the effect on health is very small if not ingested directly.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Setting the Target Area
Step 1. Do a sweep of the cockroach habitat in the house
Cockroaches are omnivorous insects that like dark, damp places. Check for areas where cockroaches may be inhabited, such as around baseboards, under or around pipes, any places where food remains can be found, behind electrical outlet covers, and in tight, hard-to-reach spaces. Cockroaches tend to leave their eggs sheltered in dark crevices if they are not viviparous or oviparous.
Step 2. Check the area for cockroach infestation
You can do this by turning on a portable fan and blowing it around the area to see if any cockroaches are running out. You can also use a sudden flash of light to startle the cockroaches and make them run around. Do not give bait that does not contain pesticides because it can attract cockroaches.
Step 3. Pay attention to areas where the cockroaches may live, eat, or lay eggs
These are areas that often have food, lots of water, or are dark and difficult to access. Areas like this must be included in the target even though the attack has not been seen there. Boric acid has a strong deterrent effect that can kill generations of insects over time.
Step 4. Check the area for an unpleasant odor for possible cockroaches
Cockroaches have scent glands used for communication and intercourse that emit a characteristic odor, which is sometimes sweet, but sometimes oily and smells like stag. This is a sign that the area has been invaded by cockroaches and should be included in the target.
Some types of cockroaches can fly and breed in high areas such as shelves. It should also be targeted and treated with insecticides
Step 5. Clean the area of food debris or standing water
Do this before you prepare or apply the insecticide. Clean surfaces and prevent standing water to remove the resources cockroaches need. You don't need bait to apply this insecticide, and it's more likely that female cockroaches won't lay eggs in areas where resources aren't available.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing Borax
Step 1. Use borax if you don't want to bother making boric acid
Boric acid is indeed a type of insecticide that is more soluble in water, more effective, and harmless to humans. Both of these ingredients can be applied in powder form and can be used to get rid of cockroaches using the same method.
Step 2. Mix hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) with borax to produce boric acid and brine
Boric acid will appear in the form of white suspended crystals. You can also buy ready-made boric acid (and safer than hydrochloric acid), which is needed to turn borax into a much more effective insecticide.
- Hydrochloric acid is usually sold under the name muriatic acid in the form of a solution used to acidify swimming pools.
- Hydrochloric acid must be handled with care. Wear gloves, eye protection and a breathing mask (in a well-ventilated area) as these acids can cause damage. Grease your hands with baking soda to neutralize any unwanted acid reactions. Do not use water to treat strong acid burns.
Step 3. Filter the boric acid crystals
Treat the excess solution with baking soda to neutralize the strong acid. Do not pour the solution into the sink until you have neutralized it. Test the acidity of the solution using litmus paper. If the crystals have dried, you are ready to use them.
Part 3 of 3: Applying Insecticides
Step 1. Prepare borax or boric acid, then place it in a container
Make sure you use a clean, sturdy, moisture-free, and writeable container. Proper storage and labeling need to be done to maintain safety and avoid accidental ingestion of the product. This ingredient is visually similar to table salt. Avoid the build up of moisture to prevent this material from clumping.
- Used sauce bottles can be used as containers for sprinkling insecticide powder in tight electrical outlet spaces with minimal risk. Press the bottle to do the test, and make sure the powder can escape (be careful not to get it in your mouth, eyes or nose). Make sure the hole in the bottle is big enough for the borax crystals to come out easily.
- Like boric acid, borax also dissolves in hot water and can be put in a spray bottle. The dry residue of liquid boric acid will not be recognized by insects and pose a low risk to humans. However, if you want to apply it near an electrical outlet, use it in powder form.
Step 2. Sprinkle or spray boric acid or borax on the targeted area
You do not need to mix it with bait because this product is not insect repellent. This material will be tracked by insects and spread in the form of poison to other insects. Once you have applied it to the targeted area, do not cook food or vacuum to prevent accidentally ingesting this product.
Step 3. Open the outlet cover, sprinkle borax on the inside of the wall
This is an easy access to the interior of the wall where cockroaches often live and lay their eggs. Spray the borax into the space using a spray bottle, squeezing it repeatedly. When finished, return the outlet cover. Do not use diluted borax.
Step 4. Sprinkle the insecticide thinly on the targeted area
The insecticide will spread to the colony when cockroaches touch it. Ideally, the insecticide should be spread throughout the area, but if there are cockroaches in the target area, the insecticide will spread itself to other insects and kill them. Insecticides will not kill the cockroach's appetite.
Step 5. Sprinkle dry borax or boric acid on the carpet or rug
Borax will destroy the eggs and larvae that are on the carpet. Twenty minutes after sowing, suck out the powder. Insects and dead eggs will also be sucked in. Follow the instructions given for vacuuming the carpet.
If you are targeting carpets, do the vacuuming in a not too long time. Insect eggs will die in no time, but the powder can cause lung irritation or poisoning in small children and pets. It is not recommended to allow it to continue to stick in an area where it can spread dust when stepped on
Step 6. Wipe the target area with a damp cloth before you use the surface
Reapply after use, or after a few days have passed if cockroaches are still there. It is a slow, but very effective type of insecticide. Keep doing this treatment until the cockroaches are gone.
Tips
- Borax is an effective insecticide and is useful as a carpet cleaner. Do not allow pets to roam near areas that have been freshly sprinkled with borax.
- Store all containers after you close them tightly and label them. Keep out of reach of children and pets as this material is toxic.
Warning
- Preparing boric acid at home can be dangerous, and any use of hydrochloric (muriatic) acid should be carried out by wearing a protective mask in a well-ventilated area.
- Borax is being evaluated in the European Union for its toxic potential to affect pregnant women. Authorities in the US do consider this material safe, but it is not recommended to be applied as an insecticide near pregnant or nursing women and young children.
