Look at the possibility of using Borax. Boric acid is a slow acting contact and stomach poison for most insects. The dust is usually ingested when the insects clean their legs and antennae. Even if grooming is inhibited, boric acid will be absorbed through the insects' cuticle. Death of insects exposed to boric acid usually takes 2-10 days, depending on the particular formulation. Dust formulations are not repellent to insects. However, light deposits are generally more effective than heavy deposits.
Boric acid dust has a long residual life and can be used effectively, as long as it is not covered with dirt or grease. During remodeling or construction of buildings, boric acid has been placed in wall voids to inhibit cockroach or ant infestations from becoming established after construction. Dusts can be injected into wall voids, under voids in cabinetry and in attics. Boric acid products for fleas usually require that large amounts of the product be "worked into" the carpet, using carpet rakes or other such appliances. This procedure can be messy.
Boric acid bait products formulated for ants and cockroaches are also effective. However, Auburn research has found that other insecticides in baits such as COMBAT or RAID MAX are more effective.
Boric acid has been around for almost a century. Past interest in quicker and easier treatments guided many people to other products. With renewed interest in "environmentally safe" or "natural" insecticides, there has been a resurgence of boric acid products. Though effective, boric acid is not the "silver bullet" for pest control. There are many situations where other products are more appropriate and effective. Also as with the use of all chemical substances, one should not assume that boric acid products are completely safe, nontoxic, easily vacuumed, or that it will not harm plants, pets or children. Remember that boric acid is an effective tool, but it's only one tool in our constant battle with the bugs.
