Best Ways to Use Borax to Kill Termites
It is an irritating situation when you see termites in your house, especially when you have kids at home. It is more annoying when a professional tells you that it will cost thousands of dollars to eradicate these pests.
The most recommended natural solution for you and your family is to use borax powder to kill termites. But does borax kill termites at all? Read this article to find out.
What is Borax?
Borax is a powerful naturally occurring fungus that can be used as an ant killer, fungicide, and fertilizer. It comes from the Borax plant family, which also includes beeswax and carnauba wax. Borax is active against several pests, including ants, grey mold, fungus, and inchworms.
Pest control experts for many years have used various forms of borax to control multiple pests because it kills the pests without damaging the environment and can be reused on many occasions.
How to Use Borax?
The process is simple:
- Shake the bottle before each application and stir it thoroughly after each use.
- Use a 2-in-1 Borax/Ready to Use Spray; spray evenly onto the pest and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before moving on to the next application.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how often to apply each product.
How to Dissolve Borax in Water?
If you want to dissolve borax in water:
- Ensure that the solution’s concentration is between 0.1 and 0.2 Mol per one liter of water.
- Use a glass container or an opaque polyethylene container if you need to prepare a large solution (more than 10 liters).
- Make sure that the temperature of the water does not exceed 60°C.
It is required to add borax into cold water and then stir it slowly until all borax molecules are dissolved.
How Long Does It Remain In Force?
It remains in force as long as the solution remains saturated with sodium sulfate. The effects of borax treatment are short-lived. After 10-21 days of treatment, substantial effects can be observed. It is vital to apply preventive measures and control measures daily. It’s also necessary to keep treated wood safe from rain and moisture.
How to Do Continuous Monitoring
The best way to prevent termites from doing any damage is to monitor and inspect the area daily. This means doing pest inspections often to monitor the damage and also regularly treating the area with borax. Boric acid is a natural pesticide that works on termites, ants, and other pests, so you may not even have to treat all of your outdoor areas every year.
This method of monitoring and treating takes effort, but it also saves you from hefty repair bills. If a portion of your wall is to start to fall away, you would be well within your rights to repair it with drywall or to reconstruct it. And in a pinch, you can re-strip the house to seal any gaping holes. It sounds like an expensive approach, and it can be.
Summing Up
Hiring a professional exterminator is the only sure way to get rid of these pests once and for all. It may not be possible to prevent all of your house’s damage, but you should consider calling a professional when you notice holes, damage, or other signs of termites.
Some products can get rid of them for good, and if you have termites in your home, you shouldn’t try to handle it yourself, as you may create a much bigger mess than you’ll be able to clean up.