Which is better borax or boric acid?
- Clean frequently
- Seal up cracks and holes where roaches and ants can easily enter.
- Look at your piping and ensure there are no leaks.
- Hire professionals if none of the household products are working.
- Try and keep your home at a cool temperature. Cockroaches for example live in moist areas.
Does boric acid really work for BV?
– Yes But Be Careful! Boric acid has been used for over 100 years to help and in some cases cure Bacterial Vaginosis. It works really well because it’s an antiseptic and anti bacterial which means it will directly target the bacteria involved with BV rendering them useless.
Is boric acid and borax the same thing?
Boric acid and borax are similar. They are merely different formulations of one compound. Borax is a form of boron and is taken straight from the ground as a mineral; you will find it in cleaning products. Boric acid is more refined and processed and is used in chemical products.
How toxic is boric acid to humans?
We strongly recommend against using boric acid vaginal suppositories, for these four reasons:
- Boric acid is a pesticide.
- Boric acid is poisonous to humans.
- Boric acid is an environmental pollutant.
- Boric acid is ineffective or marginally effective for treating BV.
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Does boric acid lose potency?
Boric acid is odourless and tasteless, making it non-repellent and thus does not suffer from this problem. It doesn't lose potency over time and cockroaches do not develop resistance to it.
Do boric acid expires?
Because boric acid is inorganic, it doesn`t deteriorate appreciably over time. As long as it doesn`t get wet, the stuff will last for years. That makes it particularly valuable for application in hard-to-reach areas, because you won`t have to repeat the chore every month.
How long does boric acid last once opened?
about 6 monthsAn application of Bonide Boric Acid Roach Powder will typically last about 6 months as long as it hasn't gotten wet.
How long does boric acid stay potent?
Answers and Replies. When kept at room temperature Boric Acid should last forever. Sometimes though the term "Boric Acid" can be applied to more than one chemical so you should check the label and see what the chemical formula on it says.
Do roaches avoid boric acid?
Don't use too much boric powder in one place, as cockroaches will avoid it if they see it. Remember: you're trying to trick them into walking through it.
What happens when roaches eat boric acid?
Then, when a cockroach cleans itself, it will ingest the boric acid. The boric acid will absorb into the cockroach's body as well. Once inside the body, boric acid will start to affect the roach's nervous and digestive systems, eventually causing the cockroach to die.
Does boric acid with lure attract roaches?
Boric acid by itself doesn't attract cockroaches. Roaches are attracted to the smells of things they can eat, like food, waste, debris, and garbage. So, in order to make the boric acid appealing enough to eat, you have to mix it with something sweet.
Does Borax expire?
Borax: Does not expire, but the company recommends it be kept in a dry environment.
Is Borax the same as boric acid?
Boric acid is made from the same chemical compound as borax and even looks like it. But while borax is commonly used in cleaning, boric acid is mainly used as a pesticide. Boric acid kills insects by targeting their stomachs and nervous systems.
Can I use expired boric acid powder?
Boric acid is a very stable dry solid at room temperature. It should be stable indefinitely, but should be evaluated for continued suitability in user application every three to five years.
Can I mix boric acid with water and spray it?
To create a mold spray, just change the amount of the solution. Combine one cup of boric acid with 1 gallon of water. That should be good in eliminating mold spores all over the house.
Do PHD suppositories expire?
If needed, use one (1) pH-D suppository every 12 hours. Store in a cool, dry place. Use by expiration date on bottle.
What products contain boric acid?
What are some products that contain boric acid? Products containing boric acid can be liquids, granules, pellets, tablets, wettable powders, dusts, rods, or baits. They are used indoors in places like homes, hospitals and commercial buildings.
Where does boric acid come from?
Boric acid naturally occurs in the environment. It can be found in soil, water, and plants. Boric acid dissolves in water and can move with water through the soil. Under certain soil conditions it can reach ground water. However, its mobility in soil depends on pH and the presence of some metals.
What is boric acid used for?
Boric acid and its sodium salts can be used to control a wide variety of pests. These include insects, spiders, mites, algae, molds , fungi, and weeds. Products that contain boric acid have been registered for use in the United States since 1948.
How long does it take for boric acid to poison an animal?
Boric acid affects animals in a similar way. If eaten, signs of poisoning in animals can start within 2 hours.
What happens if you eat borax?
Eating extreme amounts has resulted in a red, "boiled lobster" like skin rash, followed by skin loss. People who breathed in borax had a dry mouth, nose, and throat. Coughing, sore throat, shortness of breath, and nose bleeds have also been reported. Infants are more sensitive to pesticide exposures.
When did babies die from boric acid?
In the 1960's, several infant deaths were reported after improperly labeled boric acid disinfectants were accidentally used in infant formulas. In the 1970's and 80's, the use of a gum soothing product containing borax and honey on pacifiers resulted in several reports of seizures in infants.
Does borax cause nausea?
Studies with workers breathing borax showed no long-term respiratory effects. However, long-term ingestion of boric acid has resulted in vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. This is often followed by headaches, fever, tremors, twitching, a lack of energy, and weakness.
What is boric acid used for?
Boric acid and its sodium borate salts are active ingredients in pesticides used against insects, spiders, mites, algae, molds, fungi, and weeds. 1. Boric acid and borate salt products are used on a variety of sites including sewage systems, food and non-food crops, ...
How long does boric acid stay in your urine?
Studies of excretion in humans ingesting boric acid indicated an average urinary elimination half-life of approximately 21 hours. 40 Case reports of accidental or intentional exposure to boric acid in humans have calculated urinary half-lives ranging from 4 to 28 hours. 14,19.
What are the symptoms of boric acid in animals?
Ingestion of small amounts of boric acid or borate salts by animals has resulted in clinical signs that include excessive salivation, thirst, fever, vomiting, retching, depression, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The vomit or stools of exposed animals may contain blood or have a blue-green color. 15,16
How long does it take for boric acid to show up in a dog?
The onset of clinical signs following boric acid or borate salt ingestions is usually within 2 hours. 16. Following ingestion of large amounts of boric acid or borate salts, animals have also shown signs of ataxia, tremors, seizures, decreased urination, and can develop reddish-violet colored skin.
How much borax is bad for your nose?
Employees working for more than five years around borax or boric acid dust found that exposure to 4.4 mg/m 3 of borax or more caused respiratory and nasal irritation. Other workers exposed to particulate boric acid reported respiratory and nasal irritation at concentrations less than 10 mg boric acid/m 3. 20.
What is the pH of borax?
Sodium metaborate solutions range in pH from 10.5 to 12, while borax solutions typically have a pH of about 9.24. 3. To convert doses of boron compounds to boron equivalents, multiply the dose by the compound's boron content in Table 1.
How much boric acid should I give my mice?
When mice were fed boric acid at doses of 0, 275, or 549 mg/kg/day (0, 48 or 96 mg/kg/day boron) for 2 years, no evidence of carcinogenicity was found. 1
What is boric acid used for?
Many of the medical applications for boric acid are connected to its use as an antiseptic, for instance, to treat minor cuts, burns, and acne. As an acid, it may also help maintain normal pH of the vagina when prescribed by a health care provider.
How much boric acid should I take a day?
A typical dose is 600 milligrams per day, but it’s crucial to consult your health care provider about the right regimen and to follow the instructions carefully. Here are some guidelines to follow when inserting your boric acid suppository: Wash your hands thoroughly and remove the capsule from its packaging.
Why is boric acid used in vagina?
This is why boric acid is sometimes used to treat a number of medical conditions.
Is boric acid a prescription?
Although boric acid has a long history as a treatment for a variety of medical conditions, it hasn’t been fully studied, and it’s not a common prescription in conventional medicine. Let’s take a closer look.
How long can you take boric acid?
The usual dosage of vaginal boric acid is 1 suppository inserted into the vagina once per day, for 3 to 6 days in a row. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions.
What is boric acid?
What is vaginal boric acid? Boric acid has mild antiseptic and antifungal actions. Vaginal boric acid is a homeopathic prescription medicine that also contains probiotics or "friendly bacteria" (Lactobacilliales), as well as the antioxidants Vitamin C and E.
Can boric acid harm a baby?
if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Vaginal boric acid will not prevent pregnancy and should not be used as a form of birth control.
Can you take boric acid if you are allergic to it?
You should not use boric acid if you are allergic to it, or if you have: pain or tenderness in your pelvis or lower stomach; fever, chills, nausea; vaginal bleeding; pelvic inflammatory disease; an active sexually transmitted disease; high blood pressure; heart disease;
Can boric acid cause hives?
Vaginal boric acid side effects. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have: new or worsening symptoms (itch, vaginal discharge, etc); vaginal burning sensation;
How does boric acid kill insects?
You should be able to find it as a tablet, liquid, or powder or in a trap. Boric acid kills certain insects by absorbing into their bodies and poisoning them. Once absorbed, it will affect their metabolism and exoskeletons. Traps or baits using boric acid rely on insects coming into contact with it.
Who was the first person to make boric acid?
The first person to prepare boric acid was Wilhelm Homberg. He used borax and mineral acids to create boric acid. Borates, however, have been used since the time of the Ancient Greeks.
What is borax powder?
It can be called several different things: sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate. Borax is a boron compound. It is also a mineral and a salt from boric acid. Typically, you will find borax in a white, powdered form that will dissolve in water. The most common places you will discover borax used is in laundry detergents, ...
Is borax toxic to animals?
Boric acid is more refined and processed and is used in chemical products. Both borax and boric acid are toxic to people and animals when ingested. They are not necessarily dangerous to handle. Any product you find with either compound will be labeled only for external use.
Where was borax found?
Mercury is toxic. However, it wasn’t as successful as mercury. Borax was discovered in Tibet in the 700s. It was found in dried-up lake beds.
Is boric acid harmful to humans?
If humans ingest it, there can be dire consequences. Boric acid is hazardous to humans for the same reason it is hazardous to bugs.
Can borax kill pests?
Borax should not be used as a pesticide, though some people confuse the two or think they are the same. Borax can kill pests, though it is not nearly as effective as boric acid. You will often find boric acid used in pesticides. You should be able to find it as a tablet, liquid, ...
How Boric Acid Suppositories Work
Suppositories are solid, capsule-like medications that are ingested through the rectum, vagina, or urethra. Doctors recommend different forms of suppositories depending on the medical condition and purpose, with rectal suppositories being the most common type of suppository prescribed.
How Long Does It Take For The Suppository To Dissolve?
After inserting the vaginal boric acid suppository, the capsule stays inside the vagina for a few minutes for it to completely dissolve (Sources say up to 15 minutes ). But as each body is different, it can sometimes take up to 12 hours for the suppository to fully melt inside.
How Long Until I Get To See Some Results?
You should see some results as fast as one day, but you should follow the full prescripted medication dosage to ensure that the infection doesn’t return. If your infection is particularly acute, your doctor may prescribe inserting 2 capsules daily into the vagina for an extended period of 6 to 14 days.
What To Expect After Taking Boric Acid Suppositories
Boric acid suppositories are generally safe for adult use, but they normally cause some uncomfortable yet harmless after effects.
Can You Overdose On Boric Acid Suppositories?
The dangers of boric acid suppositories are minimal and there have been no deaths recorded from their usage.
Other Pointers To Remember
Regardless of their kind, you should take a few things in mind when taking suppositories.
Overview
Boric acid, also called hydrogen borate, boracic acid, and orthoboric acid is a weak, monobasic Lewis acid of boron. However, some of its behaviour towards some chemical reactions suggest it to be tribasic acid in the Brønsted sense as well. Boric acid is often used as an antiseptic, insecticide, flame retardant, neutron absorber, or precursor to other chemical compounds. It has the chemical formula H3BO3 (sometimes written B(OH)3), and exists in the form of colorless cr…
Occurrence
Boric acid, or sassolite, is found mainly in its free state in some volcanic districts, for example, in the Italian region of Tuscany, the Lipari Islands and the US state of Nevada. In these volcanic settings it issues, mixed with steam, from fissures in the ground. It is also found as a constituent of many naturally occurring minerals – borax, boracite, ulexite (boronatrocalcite) and colemanite. Boric acid and its salts are found in seawater. It is also found in plants, including almost all fruits.
Preparation
Boric acid may be prepared by reacting borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate) with a mineral acid, such as hydrochloric acid:
Na2B4O7·10H2O + 2 HCl → 4 B(OH)3 + 2 NaCl + 5 H2O
It is also formed as a by product of hydrolysis of boron trihalides and diborane:
B2H6 + 6 H2O → 2 B(OH)3 + 6 H2
Properties
Boric acid is soluble in water. When heated above 170 °C, it dehydrates, forming metaboric acid (HBO2):
H3BO3 → HBO2 + H2O
Metaboric acid is a white, cubic crystalline solid and is only slightly soluble in water. Metaboric acid melts at about 236 °C, and when heated above about 300 °C further dehydrates, forming tet…
Reactions
With polyols containing cis-vicinal diols, such as glycerol and mannitol, the acidity of the boric acid solution is increased. With different mannitol concentrations, the pK of B(OH)3 extends on five orders of magnitude (from 9 to 4): this exacerbed acidity of boric acid in the presence of mannitol is also sometimes referred as "mannitoboric acid". Greenwood and Earnshawn (1997) refer to a pK value of 5.15 while a pK value of 3.80 is also reported in Vogel's book. This is due to the form…
Toxicology
Based on mammalian median lethal dose (LD50) rating of 2,660 mg/kg body mass, boric acid is only poisonous if taken internally or inhaled in large quantities. The Fourteenth Edition of the Merck Index indicates that the LD50 of boric acid is 5.14 g/kg for oral dosages given to rats, and that 5 to 20 g/kg has produced death in adult humans. For a 70 kg adult, at the lower 5g limit, 350g could produce death in humans. For comparison's sake, the LD50 of salt is reported to be 3.…
Uses
The primary industrial use of boric acid is in the manufacture of monofilament fiberglass usually referred to as textile fiberglass. Textile fiberglass is used to reinforce plastics in applications that range from boats, to industrial piping to computer circuit boards.
In the jewelry industry, boric acid is often used in combination with denatured alcohol to reduce surface oxidation and firescale from forming on metals during annealing and soldering operations.
Further reading
• Jolly, W. L. (1991). Modern Inorganic Chemistry (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-112651-9.
• Goodman, L.; Gilman, A.; Brunton, L.; Lazo, J.; Parker, K. (2006). Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. New York: McGraw Hill.
• Cordia JA, Bal EA, Mak WA and Wils ERJ (2003), Determination of some physico-chemical properties of Optibor EP. Rijswijk, The Netherlands: TNO Prins Maurits Laboratory, repor…
• Jolly, W. L. (1991). Modern Inorganic Chemistry (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-112651-9.
• Goodman, L.; Gilman, A.; Brunton, L.; Lazo, J.; Parker, K. (2006). Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. New York: McGraw Hill.
• Cordia JA, Bal EA, Mak WA and Wils ERJ (2003), Determination of some physico-chemical properties of Optibor EP. Rijswijk, The Netherlands: TNO Prins Maurits Laboratory, report PML 2002-C42rr, GLP, Unpublished, confi…
Overview
- Boric acid and its sodium borate salts are pesticides that we can find in nature and many products. Borax is one of the most common products. Boric acid and its sodium salts each combine boron with other elements in a different way. In general, their toxicities each depend on the amount of boron they contain.
Uses
- Boric acid and its sodium salts can be used to control a wide variety of pests. These include insects, spiders, mites, algae, molds, fungi, and weeds. Products that contain boric acid have been registered for use in the United States since 1948. Products containing boric acid can be liquids, granules, pellets, tablets, wettable powders, dusts, rods, or baits. They are used indoors in place…
Effects
- Boric acid can kill insects if they eat it. It disrupts their stomach and can affect their nervous system. It can also scratch and damage the exterior of insects. Boric acid and borax, a sodium borate salt, can kill plants by causing them to dry out. Sodium metaborate, another sodium borate salt, stops plants from producing the energy they need from light. Boric acid can also stop the gr…
Causes
- You can be exposed if you are applying boric acid and you get it on your skin, in your eyes, breathe it in, or accidentally eat a product. This can also happen if you get some on your hands and eat or smoke without washing your hands first. Exposures can also occur if products are accessible to children or pets. You can limit your exposure to boric acid by following all label instructions care…
Safety
- Boric acid is low in toxicity if eaten or if it contacts skin. However, in the form of borax, it can be corrosive to the eye. Borax can also be irritating to the skin. People who have eaten boric acid have had nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, and diarrhea. Diarrhea and vomit may have a blue-green color. Eating extreme amounts has resulted in a red,...
Other animals
- Boric acid affects animals in a similar way. If eaten, signs of poisoning in animals can start within 2 hours. See the fact sheet on Pets and Pesticide Use for more information.
Prevention
- Children have different behaviors than adults that can put them at greater risk. They may crawl or play on the floor and put their hands or other items in their mouths. For this reason, many boric acid products require that they be applied in places out of children's reach. Consider getting down to your child's level to confirm after an application. Always carefully read and follow the label.
Ecology
- Boric acid naturally occurs in the environment. It can be found in soil, water, and plants. Boric acid dissolves in water and can move with water through the soil. Under certain soil conditions it can reach ground water. However, its mobility in soil depends on pH and the presence of some metals. Boric acid can also be taken up from the soil by plants. It moves through plants into thei…
Toxicity
- Boric acid is practically non-toxic to birds. It is slightly toxic to practically non-toxic to freshwater fish. Boric acid is practically non-toxic to frogs and toads and aquatic life, such as waterfleas. The U.S. EPA concluded that boric acid is relatively nontoxic to bees.