Orthoboric Acid is an organic active ingredient that contains the naturally occurring element Boron. It has been regularly used in the U.S. since 1948 as a natural pest control method to eliminate cockroaches, fleas, ants, and silverfish.

Orthoboric acid in its original form is an odorless and natural occurring powder which is believed to be a safer method of pest control compared to other more toxic synthetic chemical insecticides. To humans, it’s regarded to be as safe as ordinary table salt. However, to most pests, coming into contact with Orthoboric Acid can be lethal, especially for cockroaches, ants, termites, silverfish and other common household insects.

Mode of Action

The mode of action of Orthoboric Acid and what makes it so effective in the pest control industry is its ability to kill insects without the use of highly toxic chemicals. When applied, the product acts as a stomach poison to the insects which come into contact with the Boric Acid or consume it. The powder is very abrasive and can cut through the outer shell of numerous insects.

For instance, if roaches were to pass over an area treated with Orthoboric Acid, the slow killing chemical behaves like shards of glass cutting them apart. The slow-killing effect gives roaches a chance to return to the nest where it soon dies. Other cockroaches will then eat the dead carcass of a roach who consumed Orthoboric Acid, which eventually kills them too.

The cycle continues until the Orthoboric Acid has more-or-less been exhausted or the queen herself has consumed some, killing her, which destroys the colony.

Benefits

What gives Orthoboric Acid an advantage over other pesticide options is its residual effect. It can still continue to kill long after it has been applied, up to a year. It also has no repellent properties so target pests won’t know to stay away from treated areas.

While Orthoboric Acid alone will not be potent enough to address heavy infestations (aside from fleas living in the carpet), it can be very effective when applied in cracks and crevices or between walls to keep insects from residing and surviving in those areas.

It can also be scattered outside structures in lawn and fields in the form of a granular bait. Orthoboric Acid is a key ingredient not only in pest control products but also can be used as an antiseptic to address medical problems, a preservative for skins, a lubricant and even for pyrotechnics.

About safety

While orthoboric acid is a very safe and naturally occurring pesticide, it is still a poison, and in certain doses, it can present dangers to humans and animals. Please use Orthoboric Acid in accordance with the product label directions.

Wear protective gear before handling Orthoboric Acid as a precaution. This can include gloves, a protective mask, protective eyewear, and long sleeve clothing.

Toxity

According to the Natural Pesticide Information Center, boric acid toxicity ranges from minor to serious. Minor toxicity usually results in skin and eye irritation. More serious toxicity can result in symptoms such as respiratory problems, muscle weakness and headaches.
In cases of extreme toxicity, boric acid can lead to kidney failure in people.