BORAX AND ICING SUGAR. 
DOES IT REALLY WORK?       IS IT REALLY SAFE?

If you search the web or do much reading about pest control you will see numerous home remedies that are claimed to magically eliminate a broad spectrum of insect pests, the most common being a mixture of borax with something sweet.  There is often an inference that borax is safer to use than pesticides and not harmful to the environment. This information can be very misleading and could result in serious health risks and environmental damage.  A few simple facts may give readers a better understanding of how to use borate products.

> Any product containing borates for sale in Canada with a label indicating it can be used to control pests, must be registered by Health Canada as a pesticide. 

> Manufacturers have been formulating pesticides with borax for years and have refined the process of mixing the right attractant in the right quantity with the borate.  Most of these products are very inexpensive and can last several years if used as directed, making it impractical for consumers to try creating an effective mixture.

> Most borate based pest control solutions must be ingested  to be effective.  The attractant must be appealing to specific species at certain times.  Ants like carbohydrates (sugar) at certain times and protein at other times depending on the needs of the larva they are feeding.

> Products containing more than 0.5% borax are not appealing to carpenter ants. Less than 0.5% has no effect.

> Very small quantities of borate pesticides are more effective than large quantities when properly placed. 

> Children and pets could get seriously ill if they get borate products on their hands or paws and then lick them.

Conclusion:   Don't bother trying to make your own pesticides.  Use one that has been registered and approved for use by Health Canada.  Don't expect miracle results using these products and don't increase the quantity to get better results.  READ THE LABEL. 

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