Does Borax Kill Termites? {Safe and Effective Termite Control}

Do you have a termite problem and you are wondering, “Does borax kill termites?”

Does it really work and is it something you can try?

20 Mule Team Borax (Available on Amazon) is the most popular and commonly used pure borax.

Does Borax Kill Termites?

Yes, borax kills termites. When the borax gets into the system of termites, it destroys their nervous and digestive system, and this leads to the death of termites. To kill termites in your house, you need to create borax bait and place it where you see termites.

Borax comes in many different forms which include

  • Borax Powder
  • Borax Foams
  • Borax Spray
  • Borax Gel
  • Borax Soap
  • Borax Mix etc.

Does Borax Kill Termites

How to Use Borax for Termite Treatment

For Borax to work effectively, the termites need to ingest it since they kill them by destroying their nervous and digestive system.

Now there are a lot of ways in which this compound can be used for termite treatment; however, I will highlight the two most common and natural methods of using Borax:

To use borax bait mix for termite treatment, follow these steps

Step 1: Take flour, sugar, and 200 grams of borax powder (Available on Amazon) in a bowl and mix them.

Step 2: Add oil to the mixture and keep on stirring.

Step 3: The newly formed mixture should look like dough. Add extra oil if needed.

Step 4: Take small portions of this dough and roll it into small balls with your hand.

Step 5: Now place these balls in all the locations where termites were commonly seen.

Step 6: Keep replaces the balls after a few days as and when they get hard as a brick.

How To Use Borax Spray for Termite Treatment

Borax spray for termites

Step 1: Take 1.5 cups of Borax and mix it with 1 gallon of warm water.

Step 2: Stir the solution until you are sure that Borax has completely dissolved.

Step 3: Once ready, pour the solution into a spray bottle.

Step 4: Now spray this solution at all the familiar places of the dwelling of termites.

Step 5: Spray two-three times and spray only after the initial coat has dried.

You can apply these DIY sprays and baits at all the frequent locations of the termites in your house like in corners and crevices of furniture or under door frames or window-sills etc.

It is important to keep replacing the baits and reapplying the spray as and when needed. This is because, for these treatments to work effectively, the termites must come in contact with them.

Can I Use 20 Mule Team Borax to Kill Termites?

Yes. 20 Mule Team Borax is capable of killing termites among a long list of other insects and pests. This product is highly effective, but you may not be able to find it in all retail locations where boric acid is available.

Ordering online will ensure that 20 Mule Team Borax makes its way to your home in time to kill termites with ease. Make sure to keep this substance away from the skin of pets.

The good news is that you can also use 20 Mule Team Borax to fight mold, fungi and algae. This is a safe overall product for the environment in which you reside. 

Can I Use Sodium Borate for Termites?

Yes. Sodium Borate describes borax. They are one in the same. You may also notice other products classified under the following names:

  • sodium tetraborate
  • disodium tetraborate

These substances are a hydrate salt that derive from boric acid. They are all part of the same whole which is boric acid in powder or granular form. You can dissolve sodium borate in water and make a spray or sprinkle it on various surfaces.

We recommend refraining from using sodium borate on skin and keep it away from surfaces that may contaminate open containers of food, including bowls and dishes for your pets. 

Borax or Boric Acid for Termites

As derivatives of boron, the multiple uses for Borax and Boric acid include the use of attacking and killing termites. The entire colony must not only come into contact with borax or boric acid, they must ingest it as well.

It’s easier to use the powdered form of boric acid, otherwise known as borax to sprinkle it on wooden areas or the places where you have noticed evidence of a termite infestation.

The antiseptic and cleaning properties of borax and boric acid are more valuable that its ability to kill termites only because these pests have to ingest it in order to die. 

Can We Use Boric Acid Instead of Borax for Killing Termites?

Yes, you can use Boric Acid instead of Borax for killing termites.

Borax (aka sodium borate) is a salt that is made from Borax Acid and is derived from the element ‘ Boron.’

So basically, both Borax Acid and Borax are different formulations of the same compound (Boron) and can be used as an alternative solution for killing termites and other similar pests like ants and fleas, etc.

It is a low-cost remedy that will be readily available at your local store and is equally competent in getting rid of termites.

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How Do I Use Boric Acid to Kill Termites?

To prepare boric acid to kill termites follow these steps;

Step 1: Take 1 cup of Boric acid and mix it with 1 gallon of warm water.

Step 2: Stir in the acid until the boric acid is completely mixed in with the water.

Step 3: Once ready, pour the solution on to areas that are infested with termites.

Step 4: Repeat step 3 every 2-3 days.

Step 5: Search for signs of termites and if you find any repeat step 3.

How Long Does It Take Boric Acid to Kill Termites?

It will take boric acid up to three days to kill a termite once they have ingested the acid.  The acid acts as a poison and will attack the internal organs which will cause death within 3 days.

Is Boric Acid Good for Killing Termites?

Yes, boric acid is a very good method for killing termites as it is easily ingested by the termites and will kill them within 3 days.

Types of Borax

There are many types of borax which you can use to kill termites. These are:

  • Borax Powder
  • Borax Foams
  • Borax Spray
  • Borax Gel
  • Borax Soap
  • Borax Mix etc.

These different types of borax products can be used against termites in different ways.

If you find them, use borax powder. Just fill the cracks & holes of the wood with it.

You can spray the borax solution or paint a wood surface to protect it from termite attack.

Borax foam can also be used in the same way.

Is Borax Safe?

If someone accidently inhales borax, then he should be taken out to get fresh air.

If the situation doesn’t get better, then immediate medical attention should be given. Borax should not be ingested by humans & pets, because it may cause skin and eye irritation.

So, if you don’t want to deal wit borax, then you can try vinegar to kill termites. But, borax is more effective than vinegar.

Dealing with Severe Termite Infestation

Borax termite treatment

If the termite infestation is not severe, then you can use borax to get rid of termites. But, in most of the cases, we learn about termite infestation when it becomes severe.

For the common people, it becomes difficult to deal with a severe infestation because they don’t have experience to deal with them, and also the necessary equipment.

 No doubt, borax kills termites, but to completely eliminate the termite infestation from your house, you have to kill all the termites hiding in different walls, doors, and windows.

So, I’ll suggest, if termites are less in numbers, then use 20 Mule Team Borax bait to kill them. You can also use Talstar Pro Termiticide for the whole house treatment, which is one of the best termite killers in 2020.

However, if the infestation is out of your hands, then take the help of a Pest Control Company because termites do a lot of damage to the house which is far more than the cost of hiring a Pest Control Company.

Get rid of termite infestation

What is Borax?

In short, borax is a white powder that is commonly used as a cleaning agent, it contains alkaline and salt and it is an antiseptic.

You can find it in the laundry booster, in some hand soaps & toothpaste. 

But, can we kill termites with 20 Mule Team Borax? 

Yes, of course.

You can use 20 Mule Team Borax to kill termites and other pests in your house. You just have to create a borax bait for it. In the below, you’ll find, how to make borax bait for killing termites.

20 Mule Team Borax

Conclusion

So, now we know that we can use borax for termite treatment. But, it’ll work slowly, and may require many applications.

For making termite free home, borax alone may not be sufficient; you may need other effective products along with it.

Have you used borax to kill termites? What’s your observation?

Thanks for visiting ThePestManagement.com for the best information to help you to make the pest control process easy, safe & affordable. 

Jason Barrett

Hello, I'm Jason. I have 11 years of experience in dealing with pests. I try to provide you the best information that'll help you to make the pest control process easy & affordable