If you’ve ever had to deal with an ant or roach infestation, you know how annoying household pests can be and how far people will go to keep their homes tidy and pest-free. A simple yet highly effective solution to this problem is to use wax paper, borax, and a well-chosen spot under your refrigerator. Discover why this time-tested solution is becoming more and more well-liked, as well as how it may keep pests out of your house.
The Borax Effect
Borax, also referred to as sodium borate, is a naturally occurring mineral that is frequently used in pesticides, laundry detergents, and cleaning supplies. Because of its superior pest control qualities, homeowners who want to handle their pest problems without using harsh chemicals often choose it. But why does borax work so well to get rid of ants and cockroaches and other home pests?
How Borax Operates
For ants and cockroaches, borax acts as a gastrointestinal toxin. Borax disrupts the digestive systems of these pests, eventually leading to their death. Additionally abrasive to insects’ exoskeletons, borax can dehydrate them. Furthermore, borax can aid in the eradication of the entire colony—not just the individual ants you see—when ants bring it back to their colony. Because of its two-fold method of action (dehydration and toxicity), borax is a highly effective pesticide.
What Makes Wax Paper Useful?
Because it is manageable and helps prevent the powder from coming into direct contact with surfaces that children or pets might touch, wax paper is the perfect medium for distributing borax. Wax paper is a handy tool for accurate placement because it makes it easy to distribute a thin, even layer of borax that can be pushed under your refrigerator without spilling.
The Fridge is beneath the strategic location.
For pests, the area behind your refrigerator is often an ideal location. Ants, roaches, and other insects can flourish in this climate because of the warmth and sporadic moisture. Moreover, spills and food crumbs might gather beneath the refrigerator, giving these unwelcome visitors a steady supply of food. Borax under the refrigerator draws pests to this high-traffic location and increases the chance that they may come into touch with the borax.
How-To Guide: Applying Borax and Wax Paper Under the Refrigerator
assemble your supplies: a sheet of wax paper, scissors, a small spoon, or a piece of cardboard to spread the borax are required.
Cut the Wax Paper: Using a sheet of wax paper the right size, cut out the space beneath your refrigerator. The precise dimensions will depend on the available area, but a 12-by-12-inch square will usually work.
Apply the Borax: Distribute the borax evenly and thinly over the wax paper. A tablespoon or two should be sufficient to cover the surface, so don’t use much.
slip the Wax Paper Beneath the Refrigerator: Gently slip the wax paper beneath the refrigerator, being sure to place it where bugs are likely to cross it. Ensure that the borax is evenly distributed and stays on the wax paper.
Watch and Replace as Needed: Every few weeks, determine whether the wax paper needs to be changed. Throw away the old wax paper and replace it with a new one if the borax looks filthy or moist.
Advantages of This Approach
Non-harmful to People and Pets: Although borax is harmful to insects, when used correctly, it is generally safe for people and pets. Wax paper reduces any potential danger by shielding the skin from direct touch with the borax.
Cost-Effective: When compared to commercial insecticides or expert pest control services, borax is a less expensive choice.
Eco-Friendly: In contrast to most chemical pesticides, borax is a naturally occurring mineral. Compared to synthetic pesticides, it doesn’t have the same detrimental effects on the environment.
Long-Lasting: After being applied, borax can continue to effectively manage pests for several months with little additional work.
Safety Points to Remember
Borax is generally safe for use by people and animals, but handling it properly is still necessary.
Keep Borax Out of Reach: Ensure that the area beneath the refrigerator containing the borax is off-limits to kids and pets.
Avoid Ingestion and Inhalation: When handling borax, put on gloves to protect your hands from the powder’s fumes.
How to Properly Store Borax: Keep the borax sealed in a cold, dry place away from food and beverages.
A quick, easy, and reasonably priced technique to get rid of bugs in your house is to use borax on wax paper underneath your refrigerator. By focusing on a strategic location where pests are likely to congregate, this strategy offers a durable solution without the use of harsh chemicals. Knowing how borax works and adhering to a few safety precautions will help you maintain a clean, secure, and pest-free home.
