How is Boric Acid Able to Kill Cockroaches When It’s Less Toxic than Table Salt?

Boric acid is a very common chemical that is often used as an insecticide. Boric acid can be used to make very simple and effective ant traps, saving a great deal of money. However, it is only toxic to humans in relatively large doses. keep reading →

Having lived in NYC for the first 18 years of my life, I knew what it was like to grow up with roaches in the house. I came across a product called 'Roach Prufe" which was made up of powdered boric acid. I actually cleared my house of roaches completely with this product. You place the powder wherever the critters crawl; along counters, in kitchen draws, etc. The powder clings to the body of the roach which then returns to the nest. When the insect cleans itself, it ingests the boric acid and dies.They are cannibalistic and consume each other thereby setting off a chain reaction.

The chemical constitution of Boric acid and Table salts are completely different. Boric acid is an organic acid while Table salt is an inorganic compound essential for human body. The organic acid reacts with body of cockroach while table salt not.