Cats/Cockroaches/Boric Acid?

Question

I am losing the battle with my cockroaches. They have developed immunity to everything I can throw at them. I know they can't develop immunity to boric acid, but I have heard boric acid & cats do not go together. I have no desire to risk my three cats health... but what if I only put the boric acid inside the cabinets I know the cats never get into? Or even into the drawers in my kitchen? What are the boric acid/cat risks?

Answer 1

There are powders that contain boric acid you can find at places like Walmart. I was told that it will not harm the cats. The way it kills the roaches is by coating their legs so they can't breath. I use it and I have 9 cats. No problems here.

Answer 2

Boric Acid Pets

Answer 3

Well... I wouldn't feel happy about having boric acid where my kitties could get to it -- and if they eat the roaches they will ingest some of the boric acid.

But here are two tips from me:

1- Good website:

http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2006/10/23/roaches/

However, I would NOT empty the cats' water dishes at night-- I might forget to refill them in the AM-- just leave them where you will see them in the morning before you go to work/school, and if there is a dead roachie in it, dump the water out and refill it.

2- Try doing what I did. Get caulking (in a tube or use the caulking cartridge and caulking gun, which is cheaper in the long run) and caulk all the gaps between the wall moulding and the floor -- that's where alot of the roaches come in. Find and caulk the gaps between pipes in the wall and look under the sinks -- lots of gaps there too.

This is NOT a dirty job -- even if you have never done this, you will get the hang of it -- you PUSH the caulking AWAY from you as you caulk -- this lays down a fairly even seam of caulking into and on top of the gaps. You may need to stuff steel wool into the pipe gaps and then secreuly cover it with caulk or the cats could possibly eat the steel wool. This job could be divided into days -- one room per day or however you feel comfortable about doing it.

It shouldn't take all day unless you have a big place. It DEFINITELY will reduce the number of roaches coming in.

When you are done (can a friend reliably help you?), go out for Pizza.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Cats/Cockroaches/Boric Acid?
I am losing the battle with my cockroaches. They have developed immunity to everything I can throw at them. I know they can't develop immunity to boric acid, but I have heard boric acid & cats do not go together. I have no desire to risk my three cats health... but what if I only put the boric...

Answer 5

Boric acid (borax and boron-containing salts) is a low-toxicity mineral with insecticidal, fungicidal, and herbicidal properties. It does not evaporate or volatilize into the air or pose the considerable health concerns associated with synthetic pesticides; however it can still pose health hazards and should be used with care. As with any pesticide, keep boric acid pesticide products out of reach of children and only use it in locations where it will not come in contact with people or animals, such as in cracks and crevices, behind counters, and in baseboards. While boric acid is somewhat slower acting than the synthetic pesticides, like chlorpyrifos, diazinon, or pyrethrins, it is highly effective over a long period of time.


the above info is from the site I listed below

Answer 6

I don't know about boric adid, but Borax is good for killing fleas and a lot of other bugs. I have used it around our dogs with no ill effects. You might give it a try, but call your local vets office and ask about cats first to be safe. They should know or could ask the vet and find out.

Answer 7

Boric acid can be harmful to cats and dogs, if it gets into their eyes or is ingested in significant quantities. It is caustic

Diatomaceous earth is a safer, more cost effective alternative. It is silicon dioxide from the shell of microscopic organisms. Silicon dioxide is inert to most other chemicals.
If works by cutting through the joints and chitin of insects. It is safe to ingest - (it's fed to livestock to kill intestinal worms), and can be applied in small quantities to long haired cats and dogs to kill fleas. As it can be irritating to the lungs if inhaled, apply it lightly and carefully to avoid creating a dust cloud,

Answer 8

Hahah Acid Flashback.

Answer 9

I don't use boric acid, so I searched.
You should read the info and make the decision on your own.

Answer 10

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