Borax is a naturally occurring mineral that can be used as a cleaning agent and pesticide. It is best to control or eliminate roach infestation at home. When used to kill roaches, Borax is mixed with a food source, such as sugar or flour, to create poisonous bait. The roaches will consume the mixture, which causes dehydration, and leads to roach death. It is also toxic for humans and pets if ingested in large quantities. So to use Borax, you need to follow the labelled precautionary measures for safety.
What is Borax?
Borax or sodium borate is a naturally occurring mineral composed of sodium, boron, oxygen, and water. The chemical formula of Borax is Na2B4O7·10H2O. It is commonly used in a variety of applications, including as a cleaning agent, a flame retardant, insect killer, and as a component in glass and ceramics production.
Does Borax Kill Roaches?
Borax is a natural roach killer used widely from ancient times. It is toxic for roaches due to its dehydrating properties. Borax is used with food sources to attract roaches. When roaches ingest it then, it causes dehydration in their stomach. After ingesting Borax, roaches can survive for a maximum of seven days. It is less effective than other insecticides and takes more time to kill roaches. The Borax can kill all types of roaches. It is harmless for humans in small quantities, but it may damage the human digestive system if ingested in a large quality.
How did Borax Kill Roaches?
Borax kills cockroaches by acting as a stomach poison. When the roaches ingest Borax, it interferes with their digestive system and disrupts their metabolic processes, ultimately leading to roaches’ death. The roaches are attracted to the Borax because it resembles food, but it is toxic when ingested. It also sticks to their legs and body, spreading the poison to other roaches they come in contact with, leading to a wider effect.
How to use Borax as a Roach Killer?
There are three popular methods to use Borax as a cockroach killer.
Bait Stations
The best way to use Borax as a roach killer is to mix Borax with roach foods. Mix equal parts of Borax with sugar, flour, and other roach-attractant food. Place the mixture in small containers or on pieces of cardboard in the area where roaches are commonly found, like under the sink or behind appliances. The roaches will be attracted to the mixture, eat it, and die. When cockroaches eat food, they also ingest Borax with it. The ingested Borax will cause cockroach death. This method is effective because roaches also carry the Borax back to their nests, infecting and killing other roaches as well.
Sprinkling
Sprinkling Borax in the roach-rich area is also helpful in eliminating roach infestation. When roaches move on the Borax, they will be stuck on their legs and other body parts. They ingest the Borax and die due to dehydration. Be sure to sprinkle the Borax in areas that are inaccessible to children and pets. This method is also effective but may take a long time. It is best for heavy roach infestation.
Gel Bait
To use Borax as a roach killer using gel bait, mix a small amount of water with jelly and Borax. The roaches will be attracted to the gel bait, eat it, and die. This method is effective because the gel bait is easy for roaches to ingest and transport back to their nests, which will also kill other roaches. To ensure the best results, replace the gel bait every few days and place new ones in different locations.
FAQs
How long does it take for the borax powder to kill roaches?
Borax can take several days to a week to kill roaches, depending on factors such as infestation size and level of exposure.
Which is better for roaches, Borax or boric acid?
Boric acid is a strong insecticide and kills roaches more effectively than Borax. Borax also kills roaches, but it takes more time to kill cockroaches than boric acid. So if you want to kill roaches immediately, then you need to use boric acid.