At the first sight of ants or roaches some people call an exterminator.
Others run to the hardware store, purchase a harsh insecticide, return home and spray the house to high heavens.
In both cases you've just laid the groundwork for dangerous fumes that are hazardous to you, your family, and your pets.
Unless the situation is serious (and in many cases its just a few bugs here and there) a good alternative is boric acid.
Made from borate it's an odorless non-staining powder highly dangerous for insects but has a low enough level of toxicity that it's safe to use used around the house.
It still has a small level of toxicity so wash hands after use and keep out of reach of children.
Meanwhile, the list of bugs boric acid kills includes ants, carpenter ants, silverfish, crickets, roaches, termites, and a lot more.
The powder can last up to a year before needing to be replaced.
So how does boric acid kill? Insects that come in contact with the powder will die after particles are ingested.
Contact can be made either by simply walking through the powder or eating bait where boric acid is part of the ingredients.
If you have a problem with insects here's a few suggestions on how to deal with them naturally: For roaches: • Roaches like high areas so placing some boric acid on top of cabinets is a good place to start.
If you know of their entrance way into your home from the walls then place it there.
Once they walk through it they will coat their bodies and bring it back to their nest transferring it to all the others.
For ants: • If you are familiar with where they may be entering your home that's a good place to start.
If not, find a spot where they are usually seen and plant bait.
Make a mixture of boric acid, something gooey like peanut butter, jelly, or even marshmallow and put it in a cup with holes at the bottom so they can crawl in easily.
Place it on the floor in a corner and make sure the ants have an easy time entering.
You'll want them to notice the bait, eat some and take more back to the rest of the colony.
That is where it will be distributed and in a few days you won't see anymore ants.
For fleas: • Vacuum suspected areas and then sprinkle boric acid all over the home where fleas would be residing.
This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, and other dark areas with fabric and fibers.
Let the substance sit for a day giving it a chance to terminate the fleas.
Then do a thorough clean and vacuum immediately making sure to trash all rags, towels, and vacuum bags used in the extermination campaign.