It is frustrating and also disturbing to deal with a cockroach infestation. These pesky little bugs are survivors, flourishing in the spot we least expect, and pose a threat to our health.
But many of us struggle to find an effective solution that isn’t costly and doesn’t involve chemical solutions or professional exterminators.
Thankfully, one substance that has proven to be quite popular and effective in killing cockroaches is borax. This common household product targets the roaches digestive systems and slowly eliminate them.
You can easily make powerful baits that will draw in and kill these unwelcome visitors by simply combining borax with simple ingredients, such as sugar or peanut butter.
Interested in knowing how borax really works and what the best ways to use it are? Read on to learn step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and answers to all your burning questions about how to get rid of roaches with borax!
What is Borax?
Sodium borate or borax is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for decades as a multipurpose household product. It’s commonly used in cleaning detergents, laundry boosters, even as a natural pesticide.
The Boron, sodium and oxygen combination make up this white, powdery substance that is effective and environmentally friendly, if used correctly.
Borax controls cockroaches by attacking their digestive and exoskeletal systems. Borax disrupts their ability to digest food once eaten/consumed, and eventually leads to dehydration and then death.
Borax has become a popular DIY solution against roach infestations because it’s readily available, affordable, and easy to use. A safe, easy, and very effective means of controlling pests without the use of harsh chemicals.
How Does Borax Work on Roaches?
Borax interacts with cockroaches’ biology in such a way that it is extremely effective at eliminating cockroaches. Borax sticks to cockroaches’ bodies when they come into contact with it.
The powder they ingest acts like a wild chemical bomb inside their digestive systems as they groom themselves. Dehydration occurs because the chemicals cause a loss of ability in retaining water, which is deadly for roaches.
Borax also targets the digestive system of the cockroach and damages his exoskeleton. This further weakens the pest and makes it difficult for them to survive, almost entirely, even in their usual resilient condition.
Because of these dual actions, borax is rated as one of the best household remedies for cockroach control.
Because its mode of action, borax is especially useful in places where cockroaches do hide and thrive such as the kitchen and bathroom.
Borax vs. Boric Acid for Roaches
Borax and boric acid are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same, and knowing their differences can help you when you need to use one for pest control.
Both are derived from boron, but borax is a natural mineral compound, whereas boric acid is its processed form, making it slightly more refined and concentrated.
It all depends on your needs. If you do not mind taking extra safety measures and are looking for a powerful pesticide, then boric acid is the best. Borax is a cheap, generally available, and multi-purpose solution.
Best Ways to Use Borax to Kill Roaches
Borax and Sugar
One of the most effective ways to get rid of roaches is to mix sugar with borax. The borax acts as the kill, while the sugar acts like bait to attract roaches.
To make this mixture, mix equal parts borax and sugar. Spread the mixture in places where roaches are most likely to gather, like behind appliances, under sinks, and along baseboards.
The method works so well because roaches are naturally attracted to sugary substances. You want to be sure the mixture is dry as moisture will decrease its effectiveness.
Reapply as needed until roach activity decreases. For a step-by-step demonstration of how to prepare borax and sugar bait, watch this helpful video tutorial.
Borax and Peanut Butter
The strong scent of peanut butter is what makes it a good bait for roaches. Take a small amount of borax, mix it with peanut butter and you have a sticky mix. Apply this mixture to small pieces of cardboard or bottle caps that are put into locations roaches frequently occupy.
The peanut butter can stay in place longer making this method very useful to target hard to reach places. And, for safety reasons, keep it out of the reach of children and pets because peanut butter often attracts them, too.
Borax and Baking Soda
Baking soda mixed with borax is a powerful roach eradicating remedy. When ingested, both ingredients are toxic to roaches; this is a dual action substance.
To make homemade roach killer, mix equal parts of borax and baking soda and sprinkle the powder in roach prone spots like cracks, crevices and dark corners.
This works great in places where roaches are always on the move. The fine powder sticks to their body and they ingest it during grooming. Check back regularly and reapply the mixture on a regular basis.
Borax and Egg Yolk
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Small, roach-killing balls can be made by mixing borax with cooked egg yolk, making for a highly attractive bait. Pour enough borax to achieve a dry but still a bit moldable consistency.
Form the mixture into pea sized balls and set them near roach hide outs like under cabinets or in dark damp spaces.
Protein from egg yolk is so irresistible to roaches! This is a good method in areas where other baits tend to dry out quickly. Just make sure every few days to replace the balls.
Borax and Cocoa Powder
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You may also combine borax with cocoa powder. Borax is masked in the strong scent of cocoa, trapping roaches to eat the mixture. A roach mix is made by mixing one part borax with one part cocoa powder and sprinkling in known roach paths or near entry points.
Especially good for places like kitchen cabinets or behind furniture. To ensure consistent results keep it dry and replace often. Since roaches often cannot resist the smell, it is a great addition to your pest control strategy.
Borax and Vinegar
While borax and vinegar aren’t often mixed for use as bait, they can work well combined to clean and ward off roaches.Â
Clean surfaces with vinegar to remove food particles that will attract roaches. Sprinkle borax in cracks and crevices as a dry treatment to attack any remaining pests.
This is great to keep clean as well as get rid of pests. The strong smell of vinegar will keep pests from going to the treated areas and the borax stays there to kill the pest.
Using Borax Alone
Borax on its own can be quite effective if you prefer a no fuss approach. Spray thin layers of borax in places you’ve noticed roach activity such as along baseboards, behind appliances, and under furniture.
As the roaches walk through the powder, it sticks to their bodies and is ingested during grooming. Luckily, this is the easiest method to use, but you must continually check the treated areas and reapply as necessary. To ensure it works properly, the borax must be kept dry.
These methods contain unique components and are customizable for your needs. When dealing with severe infestations, using multiple approaches is sometimes necessary to get the best results.
Where to Put Borax for Roaches
The Kitchen
Most of the times, the kitchen is usually the main ‘contact area’ or the main hotspot for roaches as its gives easy access to food and water. Place borax behind appliances, such as the refrigerator, stove and microwave.
Try using it at the edges of the cabinets, under the sink, and anywhere else roaches might hide.
Make sure the areas are dry, as dampness will make borax less effective. In addition, you’ll want to clean up any crumbs or food spills so that you’re not directly providing roaches with something to eat.
To stay potent, apply borax regularly, and especially in heavy traffic areas.
The Bathroom
Because there is water and dark, damp corners, bathrooms are another common place roaches hide. Sprinkle borax around the base of the toilet, behind the sink and at the edges of the shower or tub. Cracks and gaps near plumbing are a common way for roaches to get in, so look for them.
Borax in the bathroom will kill the roaches and also keeps any new ones away. Moisture decreases its effectiveness so be careful not to put borax in places where it might get wet.
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The Living Room
Living rooms are inviting places for roaches to hide because of crumbs from food, pet food, or clutter. Use borax along the edges of baseboards, under furniture, and near the edges of any cracks or openings on a wall or floor.
Pay attention to areas where you notice signs of roach activity, like droppings or skin shreds.
For those with carpet floors, lightly sprinkle borax where roaches could walk, on or between carpet somewhere near the edge or under a rug. Vacuuming regularly and reapplication will keep an area roach free.
   Tips for Maximizing Borax Placement
Use small amounts: The best is a thin even layer of borax. Too much powder tends to deter roaches, rather than attracting them.
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Keep it dry: Borax is less effective in the presence of moisture, so apply borax in dry, undisturbed areas.
Monitor and adjust: Reapply borax to the treated areas as needed until the roaches are gone. Check that treated areas regularly.
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Attacking key locations, you’ll ensure that borax hits the roaches when they’re on the move, making your pest control tactics more effective.
How Long Does It Take for Borax to Kill Roaches?
The effectiveness of borax to kill roaches (in most cases borax kills roaches) is dependent on a number of factors – the intensity of the roach infestation, the method of usage and the type of areas that are treated.
It may take as much as 24 to 72 hours before a cockroach will die after ingesting borax. At this point, the borax crashes the roach’s digestive system, resulting in dehydration, unable to survive.
For a large infestation, it might take longer to see the results as all the roaches won’t lay hands on the borax at the same time. It’s important to treat as many roaches as possible using the substance and consistent application in high traffic areas will achieve this.
Cleanliness and placement are also factors. However, for faster and more effective results, a properly placed borax in dry and undisturbed areas will work faster. To have long term success, reapply borax regularly and frequently examine affected areas.
Comparing Borax to Other Methods
Natural Alternatives: Diatomaceous Earth and Essential Oils
Diatomaceous earth and essential oils are chemical free options for those trying to avoid borax. Like diatomaceous earth, roaches end up being killed as their exoskeletons are damaged, causing dehydration.
It is harmless to humans and pets which makes it a safer option for families with kids.Learn more about its effectiveness in our detailed guide on How Diatomaceous Earth Kills Cockroaches.
Peppermint or tea tree oil will naturally act as a repellent and keep roaches away with their strong scent.
These methods are effective but may be slower than borax and don’t necessarily eradicate an infestation completely. The use of borax, along with other natural alternatives, makes it more effective. You can also use mothballs to kill these creatures.
Commercial Products: Terro T502 Roach Bait
Alternatively, many commercial solutions, including Terro T502 Roach Bait, are easy to use and provide targeted results. These baits come pre formulated with attractants and toxins which after consumed by the roach, kills it quickly.
These products are not borax and are intended for use on specific infestations, and may not require any mixing or preparation.
Borax is more cost effective and versatile than all other methods. It can be made with different baits, sugar or peanut butter for example, and it is as effective as commercial baits for much less money.
Pros and Cons of Borax vs. Other Solutions
Borax: Cheap, widely available, and very effective when used properly. However, it may not work as quickly as commercial products might.
- Diatomaceous Earth: Less effective against large infestations and needs to be re applied frequently, but is safe for pets and children.
- Essential Oils: They are great at repelling roaches but will not kill roach infestations.
- Commercial Baits: Easy to use but fast acting, and can be more expensive as well as use harsher chemicals.
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In the end, it is up to you. Borax is still a reliable DIY, cost effective method. If the infestation is severe you’ll need to either combine methods or seek professional help.
Conclusion
 Cockroach infestations can easily be dealt with using Borax, which is inexpensive, powerful, and simple to use. It is a good option for pest control because its ability to disrupt roaches digestive and hydration systems.
Borax can be used by itself or in combination with things like sugar, peanut butter, or baking soda to kill those pests.
It works best when you use it with other methods, such as natural remedies or commercial products, where more infestation exists. Always be careful when handling borax for your family and pet’s sake.
Using the strategies in this guide will help you take your home back from the roaches. Ready to give it a try? Learn about some methods to get rid of roaches.
FAQ SECTION
How long does it take borax to kill cockroaches?
 Borax usually takes 24 to 72 hours to kill roaches after they eat or come into contact with it. Placing it in areas where roaches often go can help speed up the process.
Is borax or baking soda better for killing roaches?
 While both work, borax is usually more effective. It dehydrates roaches and disrupts their digestion, while baking soda causes internal damage. For better results, many people prefer borax.
 Do roaches become immune to borax?
 No, roaches can’t become immune to borax because it affects their digestion and hydration. However, make sure to apply it correctly so they come into contact with it.
Why do I see more roaches after borax?
 Seeing more roaches at first is normal. Borax draws them out of hiding as they are attracted to the bait. Over time, the population will decrease as they die off.
 What is a cockroach’s biggest weakness?
 Roaches need food, water, and dark places to hide. By removing these and using borax to target them, you can effectively control their numbers.
