Does Boric Acid Kill Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs can be a nuisance. Apart from being gross, the little pests leave you with itchy red bites that can be harmful to your health. It’s vital to find an effective remedy for your bed bug infestation before the problem gets out of hand.

Boric acid is a famous pest control powder known for killing different bugs like cockroaches and ants. You may be wondering does boric acid kill bed bugs.

Read on to find out what boric acid consists of, and its effect on killing bed bugs.

What is Boric Acid?

Boric acid comes from the chemical boron and water. The white powder is typical in volcanic streams, hot springs, and minerals.
That chemical is added to other pesticide items to give them a killing power. You’ll find it in the form of liquid gels, liquid baits, and granules. Boric acid is toxic to pests, as it can cause severe abrasion and disrupt their metabolism.

Does Boric Acid Kill Bed Bugs?

Boric acid only works when the bugs ingest it. That’s why it’s advised to combine boric acid with a bait. The bait can be protein or sugar.

Does boric acid work to kill bed bugs? Boric acid is not an effective solution for bed bugs. Although the chemical may kill some pests by damaging their exoskeleton, it doesn’t work for bed bugs that rely on human blood.

Boric acid seems to work best for cockroach and ant problems. That’s because the bugs like to eat protein-rich foods or sugar. All you need is to create a bait and add boric acid to attract these pests.

Can Boric Acid Kill Bed Bug Eggs?

It’s unlikely that using boric acid will destroy bed bug eggs. That’s because the eggs are protected by their exterior and are tiny. Moreover, the eggs can’t consume the chemical, making it impossible to eliminate them.

What Should You Do About Bed Bugs?

If you’re facing a bed bug infestation, you may want to consider using tea tree oil. The oil kills the bugs on direct contact. A study conducted by the Journal of Medical and Veterinary Entomology found out that tea tree oil was 80% effective in eliminating bed bugs.

Nonetheless, the best way to eliminate bed bugs is to consult an exterminator. Bed bugs can be challenging to remove without the proper help. What’s more, you can make the problem worse by trying a DIY approach.

A professional pest control company will assess the situation by conducting an inspection, identify hideout areas, and recommend the best treatment to eliminate bed bugs. Also, you’ll be advised on the methods to prevent a re-infestation.

FAQs

Some questions you may have about bed bugs and use of boric acid include:

How Does Boric Acid Kill Bed Bugs?

Boric acid doesn’t kill bed bugs. It can only deter them.

Does Boric Acid Kill Bed Bugs if They Walk on It?

Bed bugs can survive a high concentration of boric acid, and walking through the chemical won’t kill them.