For a long time people have used boric acid to kill rats. It is a white powdery substance that is relatively easy to find and buy. Many people believe that boric acid is an effective way to kill rats because it is a poison. However there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact there is no scientific evidence to suggest that boric acid is effective against any kind of pest.
Boric acid works by dehydrating rats and causing them to die of thirst. However it is very difficult to ensure that rats will eat enough boric acid to kill them. In most cases rats will avoid eating boric acid because it is bitter and unpalatable. Even if they do eat it it is unlikely that they will eat enough to kill them. The LD50 (the amount of a substance that is deadly to 50% of the rats that eat it) of boric acid is 2.4 grams per kilogram of body weight. This means that a rat would need to eat about 24 grams of boric acid to have a 50% chance of dying.
There are many other methods of killing rats that are more effective than boric acid. Rat poisons are readily available and are much more likely to kill rats than boric acid. If you want to kill rats your best bet is to use a rat poison.
What is boric acid?
Boric acid is a white powdery substance that is commonly used as an insecticide rodenticide and fungicide.
How does boric acid kill rats?
Boric acid works by causing dehydration in rats.
It also damages their skin and eyes and interferes with their nervous system.
Where can I buy boric acid?
Boric acid can be purchased online or at most hardware stores.
How much boric acid do I need to kill a rat?
The amount of boric acid needed to kill a rat depends on the size of the rat.
A standard rat trap holds about 1/2 ounce of boric acid which is enough to kill one rat.
How do I use boric acid to kill rats?
There are many ways to use boric acid to kill rats.
Some methods include baiting a rat trap with boric acid sprinkling boric acid around the perimeter of your home or placing boric acid in rat burrows.
Is boric acid safe for humans?
Boric acid is considered safe for humans when used as directed.
However it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled in large amounts.
How do I store boric acid?
Boric acid should be stored in a cool dry place.
It should also be kept out of reach of children and pets.
How long does boric acid last?
Boric acid does not expire but it may become less effective over time.
What are the side effects of boric acid?
The side effects of boric acid include nausea vomiting and diarrhea.
It can also cause skin and eye irritation.
Is boric acid harmful to the environment?
Boric acid is considered relatively safe for the environment.
However it should not be used in areas where children or pets play.
How often should I use boric acid?
The frequency of use will depend on the severity of the rat problem.
Boric acid can be used as often as needed until the problem is under control.
What are the precautions I need to take when using boric acid?
When using boric acid be sure to wear gloves and a mask.
Avoid getting the substance on your skin or in your eyes.
What should I do if I accidentally get boric acid on my skin?
If you accidentally get boric acid on your skin immediately wash the area with soap and water.
What should I do if I accidentally get boric acid in my eyes?
If you accidentally get boric acid in your eyes immediately flush the area with water for 15 minutes.
What should I do if I accidentally ingest boric acid?
If you accidentally ingest boric acid call Poison Control immediately.
