Termites are an important part of the ecological system but they can be destructive though, especially to householders.
In order to avoid further damages and thousands dollars loss for repairing, owners of houses have to fight termites.
When you find signs of termite infestation, there are some effective methods against their attack, for example Borax.
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- What is Borax?
- Principle of work
- How to use borax to kill termites?
- How to make Borax mix against termites?
- Is Borax safe?
- Useful articles
- Helpful video
- When termite treatment is needed?
What is Borax?
Borax is also known as Sodium borate. Its active component is boron which can be found in borate (a mineral salt of boric acid). Usually borate is mined from the earth.
A short while ago it was used only for industrial purposes, but today it is widely used for everyday purposes, especially it is applied against termites. As far as borate is natural product, it does not harm the environment.Today borate is used as an effective way of termite treatment as it helps to kill termites and their colonies. Furthermore, borate protects wood and prevents termite future appearance.
So, as an active ingredient of Borax, borate is used by pest control companies in order to eliminate termite problem. Now, let’s move to another interesting question: “Does borax kill termites and how?”.
Principle of work
How to kill termites with borax? When Borax is applied, termites eat the wooden object which has Borax inside.
When Borax penetrates the termites’ body, it destroys it from the inside.
The point is that Borax affects termite nervous system and its stomach.
The process which starts in the termite’s body leads the insect to dehydration, and termite dies.
There are different ways how Borax can get into the termite’s body. When termites walk through Borax, it covers their bodies. As soon as the termites start trying to get rid of the dust, the borax gets inside of their stomachs.
Or as another option, termites eat poisoned wood. When Borax “attacks” termite’s stomach and nervous system, it takes from three to seven days for termites to die.Here you can learn more information about another effective termite control remedies: Bora-Care, Boric acid, Borate, Fipronil, Chlorpyrifos, Chlordane, Timbor, Termidor and Terminator.
How to use borax to kill termites?
If you choose Borax for termites, you will find out that there is a great variety of different Borax types. These can be:
- Borax powder;
- Borax spray;
- Borax foams;
- different solutions;
- Borax mix;
- Borax gel;
- Borax soap, etc.
Wide range of Borax products means that they can be used for different purposes. For example, when you find termite activity, you can use Borax powder. In this case you will need to fill in cracks and holes in the wood with the powder.
Spraying Borax will help you when you need to cover wood surface with termite poison or when you find termite trenches in the soil.
If the termite invasion is active and you are planning to kill the termites inside of the walls, you can use Borax foam.
Here you will need to apply it directly into the wall by drilling holes.
If you find nest opening, Borax foam will help here as well.
Notice! Borax is usually used against Subterranean termites.
The problem is that if you are planning to exterminate the whole colony, Borax powder may not be enough. In this case spraying will be more effective, especially if you decide to use it with other treatment ways.Check out the products of such giants as Bayer – Termite Killer Concentrate and Granules; and Spectracide – Termite Killer concentrate, sprayer, foam and Baiting stakes.
How to make Borax mix against termites?
If you are not planning to call a professional pest company, you have to get rid of termites by yourself. Here are some mixtures which you can use against termites. And do not forget that you will need some ingredients:
- Borax;
- hot water;
- pump sprayer;
- 1/2 cup of flour;
- 1/8 cup of sugar;
- container or any kind of bowl;
- 1/4 cup of cooking oil.
When you are planning to spray Borax solution for termites, you will have to dissolve it before applying. Of course, you will need to read the instructions carefully before mixing but here is a regular way on how to do it:
- Take one cup of hot water and pour it into a bigger plastic container.
- Take one teaspoon of Borax and slowly pour it into a plastic container and stir it until the Borax dissolves. Take another two teaspoons of Borax and add them to the container. You will have to stir the mixture again after each spoon, until the Borax dissolves.
- Let the mixture cool for two hours.
- Check the mixture to make sure that the Borax is completely dissolved. If you find any Borax on the bottom of the container, stir the solution again.
You can also make small Borax balls by yourself. These balls will be your “weapon” against termites as well.
- Take flour, sugar and eight oz. of Borax and mix them in a container or any kind of bowl. Add oil to the container and continue mixing. New mixture should be similar to dough. If you feel that it is needed, you can add extra oil.
- Take a small part of this “dough” with your hands and roll it until you make it ball-like.
- Put these balls in places where termites’ attack was noticed.
- The Borax balls will have to be replaced when they become hard.
As you can see killing termites with Borax is simple and affordable task.
Here you can learn more information about effective treatment method called tenting (fumigation): dangers for termites, preparing for fumigation and cleaning after, how long does this procedure last?
Is Borax safe?
As it was mentioned, the active component of Borax is boric acid. It is natural and environmentally friendly, that’s why it is widely used against termites and other wood-destroying insects.
Furthermore, Borax is non-toxic and safe for humans, animals and plants. Of course, you should remember that you have to apply Borax carefully (by following the instructions) and avoid its contact with soil or water (or food, tobacco, etc.).
This safe usage makes Borax very popular among pest companies and house owners. So, you can easily use Borax by yourself.
Caution! Be careful with borate powder when fighting against termites. Make sure you do not breathe it in and avoid its contact with water.If a person inhales Borax accidentally, he should be immediately taken out for fresh air. If a person cannot breathe, an artificial respiration should be given; and in case of difficult breathe, then oxygen is needed. A person should get immediate medical attention.
Though Borax is non-toxic and is believed to be safe, you have to be sure that it is stored carefully. The point is that it can become toxic if swallowed. That is why if that happens by accident, you should immediately get medical assistance.
You have to be careful if you have children in the house. If even a teaspoon is swallowed by a child, it can cause his death. This means that you have to pay attention to its usage and storage; and make sure that you do not keep Borax with food and children have no opportunity to reach it.
There is a small danger when Borax touches the skin.
Sometimes it may cause redness or irritation.
If you have any cuts on your hands, you should wear rubber gloves when applying Borax.
If something goes wrong and the Borax gets on your skin, you can wash this place with water and soap.
Regular and even cold water can be used. When Borax gets in the eyes, you should flush your eyes with plenty of water, and try to keep eyelids apart.
If you wear contact lenses, you will have to remove them as well.
Attention! If you have eye or skin irritation, you should immediately get medical assistance.If you doubt the effectiveness of the use of this product and trying to find the answer on the question: “Will borax kill termites?”, then do not hesitate. It definetely will.
Useful articles
If you interested in more information of termites we recommend you to read the following articles:
- All types of termites. Are they harmful to humans? Can they bite you? And what is the difference between drywood and subterranean ones?
- What does swarmers of different species look like: drywood, subterranean, formosan?
- Signs of infestation outside and in the house: in walls or furniture.
- What does termite holes look like? What is droppings and is it toxic to humans? Do termites make noises?
- Posible termite damage, how does it look like? Examples of damage in walls and wood floors.
- All about flying termites: how do they look like, swarming season and what to do if there are swarmers in your house?
- How do they do nests and mounds? How to find it in your garden or inside the house?
- Termite life cycle – from egg to larvae. And social hierarchy: workers, soldiers, queen.
Helpful video
This video shows you how to create amazingly effective termite bait stations using simple virgin cardboard (like the kind used for packing boxes for shipping) and Borax:
When termite treatment is needed?
Though Borax termite control is an effective way of pest treatment, it is not long lasting.
The problem is that you will see the significant results only after ten to twenty one days after applying.
Furthermore, in order to control termite invasion, you will have to repeat the usage of Borax treatment for termites regularly.
Of course, you will have to protect the wood from extra moisture (one of the most important reasons of termite infestations).
You should also remember that in order to avoid future termite appearance, you will need to use different sprays and solutions to protect the wood and foundation of your house. Preventive measures will save your time, money and nerves.
