How Does Borax Kill Roaches? Things You Should Know

Roaches are one of the most aggressive pests that infest houses. They are experts in hiding themselves in narrow cracks and surviving on minimal food. They spread diseases faster than roaches, making them worrisome.

If you’re looking for a cheap solution to deal with your roach problem, borax is a proven one. Read below to learn how borax powder works and kills roaches and how it can be applied at home safely.

What is Borax?

Borax is also scientifically referred to as sodium borate. It is a natural mineral used to produce household products, including detergents for laundry and other cleaning materials. It has a white, powdery substance with slight alkaline characteristics. With its chemical structure, borax helps deal with roaches and other pest infestations.

How Borax Helps in Killing Roaches

Borax is one of the efficient roach killers because it attracts the cockroach’s digestive system. When roaches ingest the borax powder, it harms their digestive process and dehydration causes them to die.

Additionally, the borax paste clings to the legs and bodies of roaches and spreads to other infested places as the roaches move about. This makes sure that the hidden cockroach infestation can be taken care of also.

Is Borax Effective to Eliminate Roaches?

Yes, borax is very effective against roach infestation. It is a toxic-free solution that doesn’t emit any danger to humans when applied properly. Mixing it with food such as sugar or peanut butter makes it an unresisting bait that effectively kills roaches. However, with heavy infestation, borax treatment combined with professional pest control is more appropriate.

6 Ways to Use Borax to Kill Roaches

1.   Borax and Sugar Mixture

Mix borax and sugar together in a small container. Keeping everything in equal amounts makes it an extremely effective but simple, bait. Sprinkle the mixture in areas where cockroaches have been spotted before including kitchens, bathrooms, or furniture like under beds, etc.

Borax is effective when they eat it, which disrupts the digestive system, and kills them. It is safe when placed out of reach of children and pets.

2.   Borax Paste with Peanut Butter

Mix borax powder with a teaspoon of peanut butter and form a thick sticky paste. Apply this mixture under the cabinetry, behind appliances, or in the corner of rooms. The peanut butter acts as a powerful attractant for roaches, making them consume the borax bait. Make sure to apply this paste in high infested areas for maximum effectiveness.

3.   Borax Solution Spray

For inaccessible places, mix 2 tablespoons of borax in a cup of warm water, and put this solution in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle well to make sure the borax mixture is well-dissolved. Spray into cracks, behind appliances, or wherever cockroaches hide. The method is perfect for areas which are difficult to apply with powder or baits.

4.   Borax and Cocoa Powder

Another excellent bait alternative is equal parts borax and cocoa powder. Throw the mixture throughout the areas infested by roaches. Such places can be near wood fibers, along walls, and in crevices. When roaches perceive the scent, they will consume the cocoa and then die quickly once the borax reacts.

5.   Borax Powder on Infested Areas

Sprinkling borax powder directly to areas such as under sinks, around drains or near trash cans is a direct approach to eliminate cockroaches. The method is specifically useful in heavily infested areas with cockroaches. Always be sure to use protective gloves while handling borax to avoid irritating your skin.

6.   Borax Baits with Butter

Mix borax, a small amount of melted butter, and sugar together to form a thick paste. Form the paste into small bait portions and place them near areas where roach activity is high, such as behind furniture or under appliances. The butter makes the bait even more enticing so that roaches consume it, wiping out the roaches.

Alternatives of Borax That You Can Try

1.   Boric Acid

Boric acid acts the same as borax, it disrupts the digestive system of cockroaches and kills them. You can use it in baits or apply as a powder to infested cracks and under appliances. Boric acid is highly effective when ingested by roaches but must be used with care around children and pets.

2.   Diatomaceous Earth

This natural non-toxic substance comprises small and sharp particles with an ability to cause destruction to the roach’s exoskeleton upon contact. Its effect causes dehydration in roaches which eventually kills them. For optimal results, sprinkle the food-grade diatomaceous earth on crevices, walls, and near trash cans. Moreover, it is a safer alternative for humans and pets when applied properly.

3.   Essential Oils

Some natural roach repellents include oils like peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus. Several drops of any of these can be mixed in water and sprayed where you have noticed cockroaches before. Oils interfere with communication skills among cockroaches while discouraging them from roving around or entering homes or places. Using natural oils also leaves pleasing scents behind, making your home feel fresh.

4.   Chemical Pesticides

For severe infestation, the easiest solution would be chemical pesticides. These sprays or baits work by killing the roach. However, chemicals are a hazardous product, especially if used carelessly. Make sure to always use pesticides as the label states. Never spray chemicals in places accessible to children or pets.

5.   Bay Leaves

Bay leaves have the scent to keep cockroaches away, making it an effective natural repellent. You can crush few leaves and place it in areas such as drawers, cupboards, and corners. Bay leaves do not kill roaches but will help keep them from specific spots in your home without spreading toxins.

Conclusion

Using borax is a very effective solution for managing roach problems. It is affordable, easily available, and effective in targeting the infestation. By using borax-based baits combined with the right application techniques, you can get considerable control over roach populations in your home.

However, safety precautions should always be followed, and alternative approaches should be used if the case requires long-term results.

FAQs

1. Is borax safe for homes with pets and children?

When properly used and kept out of children’s and pets’ reach, borax is safe. Always apply it to places inaccessible to them.

2. How long does it take to kill roaches using borax?

It will take a few days because when cockroaches eat it, they dry out over time.

3. Can we use borax for other pest control other than killing roaches?

Yes, borax is effective against most household insects, including ants and bed bugs.

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