People have been fighting cockroaches with boric acid for nearly a century. Boric acid is one of the most effective cockroach control agents ever developed provided that it is used correctly. Unfortunately, most people use it incorrectly, and in the process waste their money and effort.

Boric acid is a wonderful tool for controlling cockroaches in homes, restaurants and other buildings. It is effective in extremely small amounts and retains its potency almost indefinitely provided the deposit remains dry. Unlike many insecticides, boric acid has no repellency to insects and, consequently, roaches return to treated areas repeatedly until they die. Boric acid is deadly to cockroaches, but is low in toxicity to people, pets and other non target animals. It is also odourless and contains no volatile solvents. In humans, boric acid is only slightly more toxic than table salt.

Cockroaches succumb to boric acid when they crawl over treated areas. The tiny particles of powder adhere to the cockroaches’ body, and the material is ingested as the roach preens the powder from its legs and antennae. Some boric acid is also absorbed through the greasy outer covering of the insect’s body. All species of cockroaches are susceptible to boric acid provided the powder is applied into areas where the cockroaches are living.

Where to buy boric acid powder

***How to make an applicator for using boric acid***

Take an old Pringles container or similar which has a detachable plastic lid. It is important to place stick a label on the outside of the container and write clearly that it contains Boric Acid so as there is no chance of it being misused at a later date. Put a few pebbles into the container (these help to prevent the powder caking when it is stored away and also helps when applying). Now fill the container up to about 2/3 full with the boric acid powder. Carefully, using a knitting needle or similar pointed tool pierce the plastic lid of the container 20 or 30 times to form a series of holes through which the boric acid can pass.

Alternatively just buy a shaker as for instance used for castor sugar but make sure that you label it for the boric acid and keep it away from food stuffs.

***Where to apply the boric acid***

Where the powder is applied is just as important as how it’s applied. Cockroaches prefer to live in cracks, crevices and secluded areas close to food, moisture and warmth. Kitchens and bathrooms are the most common areas to find cockroaches, although any area of a home may become infested if the infestation is severe.  Key areas for treatment include under/behind the refrigerator, cooker and dishwasher, into the opening where plumbing pipes enter walls (such as under sinks and behind the toilet, shower and washing machine), and into cracks along edges and corners inside cupboards and pantries. Another very important area to treat is under cupboards, sinks and equipment.

NEVER apply boric acid onto countertops or other exposed surfaces, especially those used to prepare food.

***How to apply boric acid to kill cockroaches***

The key to success with boric acid is proper application. For best results, the powder should be applied in a very thin layer barely visible to the naked eye. Piles or heavy accumulations will be avoided by foraging cockroaches. To apply a fine layer, shake the container and puff a small quantity of the powder into the target area.

Where to buy boric acid powder online UK