So, it's true that borax and boric acid are both based on the same compound, a form of the element Boron. However, borax is effectively the “raw material,” while boric acid is a processed and refined version of it. Because of this, boric acid will be much more effective overall for eliminating insects in the home.
When it comes to killing pests, your best bet is boric acid. Borax should not be used as a pesticide, though some people confuse the two or think they are the same. Borax can kill pests, though it is not nearly as effective as boric acid. You will often find boric acid used in pesticides.
Borax and boric acid are two different formulations of the same compound. Borax is a mineral that is taken straight from the ground (a form of the element Boron) and used in cleaning products. Boric acid is its extracted, processed and refined form, found in a variety of chemical products.
Some of the insects that borax kills include ants, flies, and other insect larvae. Borax is an ant poison, and it controls flies around manure piles. It also prevents larvae from growing. The main insect borax kills are termites.
Borax is a natural mineral powder that's often found in various household items such as cleaning solutions and laundry detergent and is often used in pest management. Although Borax and Boric acid are not the same, they are equally effective on roaches, bed bugs, silverfish, and other pests.
A roach that steps in borax won't die instantly. Instead, they'll go back to their hiding place before eating the borax dust their legs picked up. You might not see the dead bugs lying around out in the open but you should notice a drop in their numbers in a week or two.
The most prominent drawback to boric acid is that, when misapplied, its effectiveness is greatly diminished and can result in a mess. The powder is best applied to an area where cockroaches are likely to walk through it. Don't use too much boric powder in one place, as cockroaches will avoid it if they see it.
How long does it take boric acid to kill roaches? Boric acid kills cockroaches within three days of coming into contact with it.
6. Keep pests away from your house. Keep pesky bugs away by sprinkling Borax around your home. Borax can be an effective way to keep pests away from your house because it acts as a natural insecticide.
Use as a General Household Cleaner
Spray on areas prone to soap scum and mildew buildup, such as porcelain sinks, bathtubs and showers. Use the borax spray to spot clean carpet, stainless-steel surfaces and outdoor furniture. Add some lemon juice to the mixture and you'll have a potent rust remover.
Instead of sprinkling borax in the bottom of your trash can, try baking soda or used (or fresh) coffee grinds, which all work wonders. You can also use baking soda and water to clean your trash can. Throw in some vinegar for extra odor-fighting action.
So, lower pKa values mean more hydronium ions produced upon dissociation. This means that acetic acid is stronger than boric acid.
IN A NUTSHELL:
The European Union and the United Kingdom have banned borax due to concerns about reproductive toxicity. However, most of the data about reproductive effects has to do with boric acid, not borax. The two substances are similar, but not the same thing.
Boric acid by itself doesn't attract cockroaches. Roaches are attracted to the smells of things they can eat, like food, waste, debris, and garbage. So, in order to make the boric acid appealing enough to eat, you have to mix it with something sweet.
A: No, it is not the same "20 mule team borax" is not pure boric acid. This product is pure boric acid crystals, ground extremely fine, and is not for laundry purposes.
The compound is considered a salt and actually shares many chemical properties with average table salt. 20 Mule Team™ simply refines the raw Borax that is mined from the ground and converts it to a powder for your easy use.
First, make sure to keep it away from children's reach. Second, avoid using it as a cosmetic product and handle it with care at all times. This usually means wearing a mask and gloves when using it. Finally, do NOT mix Borax with any boric acid products, such as pesticides.
1. Toilet Cleaning. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of Borax and ½ cup of white vinegar into your toilet bowl, ensuring you reach all areas (including under the rim). Leave for at least 8 hours (or overnight) then scrub thoroughly with a brush before flushing.
Borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate) is a powder that is usually used to control cockroaches or ants. It is effective when sprinkled in out-of-the-way places where spiders and insects hide. We prefer to sprinkle it in the cracks between the window and the storm or screen window.
Your best bet is to combine baking soda with another granulated attractant, like sugar. Mix equal parts baking soda and sugar in a small dish and apply it to kitchen cabinets, baseboards, crevices, water sources, and other places roaches like to hide.
The best roach killer, based on our research, is the advion 383920 Cockroach Gel Bait; a commercial-grade roach killer set that is easy to use and lasts months after application. It can kill all sorts of cockroaches, including the American and German variety, and it's even safe to use if you have pets or kids.
Home remedies like diatomaceous earth, baking soda, boric acid, citrus, essential oils, and borax can be effective ways to get rid of roaches. If you want to take a more aggressive approach to eliminate roaches, glue traps, bait stations, and liquid roach deterrent concentrates are all excellent options.
Sprinkle boric acid in areas the roaches frequent; when they walk through it, it sticks to them. They later ingest the boric acid, which then kills them. When using boric acid, be sure to limit your exposure; don't place it anywhere that children or pets might find it, as it's toxic when ingested.