Last Updated on January 31, 2023 by Alene Schill
Boric acid is an effective and affordable solution for getting rid of bed bugs.
However, using boric acid properly is essential to ensure its efficacy and avoid any potential harm to yourself and others.
This guide will walk you through how to use boric acid to kill bed bugs, including tips for application and safety precautions.
Guide On How To Use Boric Acid To Kill Bugs
- Buy boric acid powder or solutions from a hardware or pest control store.
- Identify areas where pests are present, such as cracks and crevices, under appliances, or near food sources.
- Mix the boric acid with a food attractant, such as sugar or syrup, to make bait.
- Place the bait in areas where pests are present.
- Ensure that the bait is not accessible to children or pets.
- Check the bait regularly and reapply as necessary.
- Repeat the process until no pests are present.
What Is Boric Acid & How Does It Work?
Boric acid [1] is a naturally occurring mineral toxic to insects when ingested. It is a stomach poison for pests like bed bugs, ants, roaches, etc.
When pests come into contact with boric acid and ingest it, it interferes with their digestive system and ultimately leads to their death.
“I’m not scared of seeing bugs, but I get really scared if they crawl on me. I’m also really bad at watching horror films. During my freshman year of high school, I was watching a horror movie with a guy and I ended up hugging him without realising it.”
– Jin, South Korean Singer-Songwriter
Boric acid is available in powder or solution form and can be used as a pesticide for household pest control.
It is also commonly used as a wood preservative, fire retardant, and in various industrial processes.
How To Identify Areas Where Bed Bugs Are Present?
- Inspect your bed: Check the seams, edges, and tufts of your mattress and box springs for any signs of bed bug activity, such as shed skins, fecal spots, and live bugs.
- Check other furniture: Bed bugs can also hide in other furniture, such as upholstered chairs, couches, and dressers. Inspect these items for any signs of bed bug activity.
- Look for hiding spots: Bed bugs often hide in cracks and crevices, such as those in the bed frame, baseboards, and electrical outlets. Use a flashlight to inspect these areas and look for any signs of bed bug activity.
- Check for bites: If bed bugs have bitten you, this is a strong indication that they are present in your home. Bed bug bites are often grouped and found on exposed skin, such as the arms, legs, and face.
- Hire a professional: If unsure or unable to identify bed bugs in your home, consider hiring a professional pest control company to inspect. They will have the experience and tools necessary to identify and eliminate bed bugs from your home accurately.
How Long Does It Take For Boric Acid To Work On Bed Bugs?
On average, it may take several days to weeks to see boric acid results.
The length of time it takes for boric acid to work on bed bugs varies depending on several factors, including the infestation’s severity and the application method.
The bed bugs [2] must come into contact with and ingest the boric acid for it to be effective.
This means regular monitoring and reapplication of the boric acid may be necessary to maintain control of the bed bug population.
It is also essential to use boric acid in conjunction with other bed bug control methods, such as vacuuming, sealing cracks and crevices, and using bedbug-proof covers for your mattress and box springs, to increase its effectiveness.
Keep in mind that boric acid is not an instant solution for bed bugs, but with persistence and patience, it can effectively eliminate them from your home.
Can Boric Acid Be Used In Conjunction With Other Bed Bug Control Methods?
Yes, boric acid can be used with other bed bug control methods for a more comprehensive approach to bed bug elimination.
Using a combination of methods can increase the chances of success and help to prevent future infestations.
Some recommended bed bug control methods to use with boric acid include:
- Vacuuming: Regular vacuuming can help to remove bed bugs and their eggs from your home.
- Sealing cracks and crevices can prevent bed bugs from hiding and spreading throughout your home.
- Using bedbug-proof covers: Bed bug-proof covers can prevent bed bugs from accessing your mattress and box springs, which are common hiding spots for bed bugs.
- Heat treatment: Heat treatment can be an effective way to kill bed bugs and their eggs. This method involves using high-temperature steam or hot air to kill bed bugs on contact.
- Chemical treatments: Chemical treatments, such as insecticides, can kill bed bugs and their eggs. However, following the label instructions carefully and using caution when applying chemicals in your home is essential.
FAQs
Can you use boric acid on a mattress?
Yes, boric acid can be used on a mattress to kill bed bugs.
However, it is essential to use caution and follow certain precautions to avoid damaging your mattress or exposing yourself to boric acid.
Will boric acid kill bed bug eggs?
Yes, boric acid can kill bed bug eggs. Boric acid works by interfering with the digestive system of pests, including bed bugs, ultimately leading to their death.
When bed bugs come into contact with and ingest boric acid, it can kill their eggs.
Will baking soda kill bed bugs?
Baking soda can be used as a natural remedy to help repel bed bugs, but it is not proven to kill bed bugs on its own effectively.
Baking soda works by drying out the bed bugs and their eggs, making it difficult for them to survive.
In Conclusion
Using boric acid to kill bed bugs can be an effective solution, mainly when used with other bed bug control methods.
Boric acid works by interfering with the digestive system of bed bugs, leading to their death.
It is essential to follow the proper application techniques and safety precautions when using boric acid and to be patient, as it may take several days to weeks to see results.
It is also important to remember that bed bugs can be challenging to eliminate and may require a multi-pronged approach.
Regular monitoring and reapplication of boric acid, as well as using other bed bug control methods, such as vacuuming, sealing cracks and crevices, and using bed bug-proof covers, can increase the chances of success.
If you are unsure about using boric acid or are concerned about its safety, it is best to consult a pest control professional for advice.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/boric-acid-for-yeast-infection
- https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/bedbugs/faqs.html
Alene Schill is a property manager from Columbus, Ohio, who has dealt with numerous pest control agencies. She helps families find the perfect homes and knows very well that bed bugs are an ultimate deal-breaker. She enjoys cycling around Scioto Mile during her spare time.