How To Use Boric Acid To Kill Termites
Termites are dangerous pests that can cause intensive damage to your wooden structures. If you see a few of them crawling around, more are certain to be lurking around. Anyone who has termites needs to take action to get rid of them before they have the chance to cause damage to your home or outbuildings. Some people prefer to use natural pest control measures to protect the environment and maintain a safe place for pets and children. You can use a simple household product that is effective in getting rid of termites. Boric Acid is a proven way to kill termites. Here is everything you need to know about boric acid, its safety for pets and humans, and how to use it to kill termites.
How to know if you have termites
Hunker explains that termites are notorious for staying out of the sight of people. When in the larvae stage, they’re out of sight, but as they grow and mature, they see the light. They become bolder and move towards the light. Termites have the appearance of a flying ant, but some differences can help you distinguish them from flying ants. Termites have straight bodies that are the same size while flying ants have a slim waist. They have four wings that are all the same size with straight antennae, while the antennae on a flying ant are slightly bent. If you see just one termite it’s a reason for concern.
What is boric acid?
NPIC confirms that Boric Acid is a compound also known as sodium borate salts. It’s a natural pesticide that is often used for pest control. It comes in various products including rods, dust, tablets, pellets, powders, liquids, and granules, and it is used in some pest baits. It’s commonly used on food and non-food crops for pest control. It is also used for personal care products, household cleaners, fertilizers, and laundry detergents. Boric acid is effective in killing ants, cockroaches, termites, and other insects. The most effective formulations will contain 99% pure boric acid.
How does boric acid work?
Boric acid is the most effective when termites lick it off of their legs. When they ingest the powder, it prevents their bodies from absorbing nutrients from the foods they eat. It starves them to death in a few days. Boric acid does not kill them on contact, but ingestion guarantees they will die. You should try to locate the nest of the termites for a more effective elimination of the pests, rather than waiting for them to come out. They can often be found in old rotten tree stumps or inaccessible areas of buildings, near the wood that they feed on.
How to make boric acid termite spray at home
You can make a homemade termite spray with boric acid, sugar, and water. The sugar helps attract the insects so they will ingest the boric acid. Here is a killer recipe for natural and effective termite eradication.
- Boric Acid Pest Spray
- 1-gallon of water
- 17 ounces boric acid powder or Borax (laundry product)
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
Instructions:
Heat a gallon of water to the point of boiling, then remove from heat. While the water is still hot, add two teaspoons of sugar and 17 ounces of boric acid powder. Stir until the sugar and the boric acid are dissolved and well mixed. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray the boric acid solution where you’ve seen termites or witnessed the damage caused by them. The boric acid spray is the most effective when sprayed directly on termite nests. If possible, find the nest to more quickly get rid of them. Repeat the process every day for seven days. Repeat as necessary.
Is boric acid safe for pets and children?
Pet MD advises that boric acid is safe for pets and humans when used with caution. It is nearly nontoxic to fish, birds, and aquatic invertebrates. The granular forms and bait uses of boric acid are potentially toxic. Powdered boric acid can be harmful if swallowed. Experts suggest that chronic poisoning usually occurs with repeated exposure to boric acid. The symptoms of poisoning include diarrhea and vomiting, and in more extreme cases, seizures can occur. Although some risks are associated with boric acid, it is a natural remedy for insects. It’s wise to keep the boric acid and the spray out of the reach of household pets and children to avoid accidental poisoning. It’s a safer alternative than some of the more insidious chemicals used in commercial insect extermination products. It’s worth noting that boric acid is often an ingredient in those commercial products.
Final thoughts
Termites in your home are a serious matter that requires your immediate attention. They’re destructive insect that eats away at wood structures, often causing severe damage. They riddle wooden buildings. They inflict damage that leaves them weak. The expense of fixing termite damage can be high unless you catch them in time. Boric acid is a commonly used household product. It’s in the laundry whitener with the brand name Borax. You can make your solution of termite-killing spray by using Borax, sugar, and water to spray on termite nests and eliminate the problem.
You should treat the nest for seven consecutive days. You may continue to repeat the process until all termites get wiped out. If this doesn’t take care of the problem, the termites may be living in places that are hard to find. Don’t hesitate to contact a professional exterminator if the boric acid solution doesn’t eliminate the problem. Termite infestations must be dealt with swiftly to preserve the structure and value of your home and outbuildings. The next time you see what you believe to be a flying ant, take a second look to verify it’s not a termite.
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