I have little black ants coming from an electrical outlet in my kitchen over my sink. I was told to use boric acid in the electrical outlet box. Is this safe and how safe is boric acid around pets and children?
By harriet
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Better yet, just get some Terro. It's only about 3.49 for two small bottles, and a drop the size of a dime will kill hundreds. They come and feed on the drop like cattle at a watering hole, and then when they are done, the drop looks like it hadn't been touched. Know why? They have all gone home to die.
I suggest Googling it, but I would not use it around my dog.
If it is inside the electrical outlet box, pets and kids won't be able to get to it. Take the outlet cover off, place a little boric acid inside, then replace the cover.
I use powdered cinnamon it works, kind to pets and children just sprinkle where the problem is.
The best suggestion here is the Torro. I have used it for years and it's never failed me. In your case, I'd take the face off the socket, attach a small square of paper towel to the inside of it, and put a drop of Torro on the square.
Based on mammal median lethal dose (LD50) rating of 2,660 mg/kg body mass, boric acid is poisonous if taken internally or inhaled. Also, long term exposure to boric acid is thought to contribute to cancer.
I'm a little confused why people are saying that boric acid is poisonous, It can be used vaginally for yeast infection (empty capsules available from your local pharmacist can be filled with boric acid and inserted into the vagina) If it is safe to use there, then I would imagine it is safe to use anywhere!
Quoted from "Kitchen Hints From Heloise":
Here are two home-made recipes guaranteed to curb your roach problem. Note: Boric acid can be harmful to pets and children if ingested in a large amount at one time or in small amounts over a period of time. Please keep away from little ones!
Heloise's Famous Roach Ball Recipe
You can set out these "tasty" treats in your cupboards for roaches anytime that you suspect infestation. Be sure to keep them out of the reach of children and pets, however, Boric acid can be bought at drugstores, pharmacies or grocery stores.
¼ cup shortening or bacon drippings
1/8 cup sugar
8 ounces powdered boric acid
½ cup flower
½ small onion, chopped (optional)
Enough water to form a soft dough
Mix the shortening and sugar together until they form a creamy mixture. Mix together the boric acid, flour, and onion and add to the shortening mixture. Blend well. Add water to form a sift dough, Shape the mixture into small balls) about ½ inch or so in diameter) or break into small blobs. Drop them into open plastic sandwich bags (to roach balls moist longer). Label the bag clearly so everyone in the house knows it is roach poison. Replace the dough when it gets hard.
Heloises' Famous Dry Powder Roach Recipe
Mix equal parts of boric acid and flour, cornmeal, OR sugar. Use the mixture to dust infested areas. Roaches will walk through it and then ingest it when they groom their legs and feelers.
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