Roaches can be a real nuisance when you don’t know how to get rid of them. Fortunately, there is a non-toxic yet effective solution – boric acid.
Also known as orthoboric or boracic acid, boric acid was introduced in the US pest control market in 1948. Composed of boron, oxygen, and hydrogen (H3BO3), this substance is generally considered to be safe in the home to keep cockroaches and ants at bay. It works as poison to the stomach, affecting the insect’s metabolism.
The dry powder is also abrasive to the insect’s exoskeleton. Most people discover this product the first time they have a roach infestation. The major problem is where to buy it. But before we look at where to buy boric acid, let’s cover a few basics about the substance.
Why Is the Product the Best Solution for Roaches?
There are two significant reasons boracic acid is the best:
- Cockroaches can’t develop immunity to the product. The body of a cockroach is covered in a waxy substance that retains moisture. This acid wears down the wax, dehydrating the insect.
- Cockroaches carry the acid to their nest. This product is so benign that the roaches don’t realize what they’re setting themselves up for. When a female roach is dying, it will drop an egg casing. The newly hatched roaches will also die from the acid.
What Is the Best Type to Use?
Boric acid paste is the most effective type. You only need to put a small dab of the thick, white substance in the crevices, under counters, and where you think the roaches could be hiding. The insects will eat the paste and take some back to their nest.
The paste can eliminate roaches for up to one year. Be sure to uphold the cleanliness of your environment. A clean environment enhances the effectiveness of the paste. Another common type of boracic acid is the powder form.
This type is usually sold by big-box retailers. While it can eliminate roaches, it is not as effective as the paste. If you opt for the powder type, it’s essential to know exactly where the insects walk. Otherwise, you will have a hard time eliminating the roaches.
Now that you understand a few things about the product, where can you buy boracic acid? Read on to find out.
Where to Buy Boric Acid
Where can I buy boric acid? This is a common question by homeowners who are struggling with a roach infestation. Finding out where to purchase boric acid can be an uphill task, especially if you don’t know where to start looking. You can visit many stores in your neighborhood, and you won’t find it.
To make things easier for you, we will explore some of the places you can find the product easily.
Online
You can purchase any type of boric acid online from the comfort of your home. You don’t have to waste time or burn gas moving around town looking for the product. All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection.
Several pest control companies sell their products online. Do your research and purchase from the most reputable company. You don’t want to spend your money on a substandard product that won’t deliver the results you expect.
It’s worth noting that pest control companies are usually more expensive and tend to take much longer to ship their products. Amazon is perhaps the most reliable and convenient place to buy the product online. The site is known for shipping vast amounts of boracic acid products. Other places where you can find the product online include:
eBay. This is another highly convenient place to shop online. There is a wide range of boracic acid products here.
Etsy. If you are looking for homemade products or modern pest control products, Etsy would be your ideal site. They also stock a variety of boracic acid products.
Local Store
You can find a variety of boric acid brands in different sizes in your local hardware store. You can usually find the product in the home and garden section of local stores. If you don’t find it there in your local hardware store, there’s a high chance it is in the household section.
If the product is missing in these sections, ask one of the attendants if they have the product. If your local store doesn’t stock it, don’t give up yet. There are several other places you can buy it.
Local Drug Store or Pharmacy
If you can’t find boric acid in your local hardware store, consider looking for it in your local drug store or pharmacy. There is a high likelihood that they will sell it. Most pharmacies and drug stores generally stock pest control products such as boric acid.
When you visit your local drug store, search for the product in the household section or pest control section. There are normally different brands available, so you may need to do some research to determine the most suitable one for your needs.
Given the fact that boric acid has a wide range of uses, be sure to pick a product with a label that states it kills cockroaches. If you can’t locate the product on the shelves, ask the pharmacist. Some stores keep it behind the counter because of its chemical content.
Grocery Store
Grocery stores are another great place to purchase boric acid. You can find the product on the household cleaners section or the laundry detergent section, depending on the store you visit. However, the laundry section is the most likely place to find it.
It is worth noting that it will be under the name borax. When used as a laundry detergent, borax is quite different from boracic acid. Boracic acid is normally extracted from the mineral sassolite while borax comes from the mineral kernite.
Nonetheless, borax is still effective in killing roaches. It is also usually cheaper and more readily available.
Pool Supply Stores
A pool supply store is perhaps the last place you would expect to find boric acid. You should realize that boric acid can be used to soften the water, improve its clarity, or to create sparkles in a pool. However, you don’t need to have a pool to visit your local pool store.
When you arrive, simply ask the attendant if they have boric acid powder. Many pool stores sell the product in 25 to 50-pound packages. Fortunately, that amount is usually enough to get rid of roaches in your home. The store manager can advise you on the best package for your needs.
Dollar Stores
If you are looking for some cheap boric acid, you might want to search at the dollar stores. You might be lucky to find enough acid to eliminate your roaches at only $1. The major disadvantage of purchasing the product at a dollar store is that you are not guaranteed to find a quality product.
Now that you know where to buy boric acid, it’s essential to understand how to use it correctly for optimum results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Boric Acid
Applying too much of the product – It’s unnecessary to drench a roach-infested area with too much boric acid. Apply a thin layer of the powder or paste, and you’ll get the desired results. That’s why some boric acid products come in a little squeeze bottle that makes it easy for you to apply a few drops in cracks and crevices infested by roaches.
Applying the product in the wrong places – Applying boracic acid in places where cockroaches don’t frequent, or away from their nest, is an effort in futility. It is essential to understand the kinds of roaches you are up against and their favorite hiding spots. Then, apply the product in the high traffic areas and their favorite hiding spot for faster and more effective results.
Expecting quick results – Using boric acid to eliminate roaches is not a magical solution. It may take at least three days for you to see dead roaches after you apply the boric acid. Don’t to rush to look for alternative pest control solutions, but wait for at least five days. Otherwise, you’ll end up wasting a lot of money and time.
So, next time you’re looking for boric acid, you will know where to find it. You will also know how to get the best out of the product by reading our guide here.
