As a common household product, borax has gained attention as a potential rat control solution.
But does borax really kill rats? From its uses as a laundry booster to a pest control remedy, there are claims and counterclaims about the effectiveness of borax against mice.
This article examines the truth about borax as a rat killer, to help you make an informed decision about using borax.
Let’s uncover the facts and dispel the myths about borax and rats once and for all.
Does Borax Kill Rats?
Scientific investigations have demonstrated that borax exhibits potent poison properties against rats.
A study documented in the Journal of Economic Entomology revealed that pure borax proved highly toxic to both adult rats and their offspring.
Furthermore, the study revealed that a combination of borax and sugar was exceptionally effective in luring rats, surpassing other bait options like peanut butter or cheese.
In another investigation published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology, researchers evaluated the rat-killing potential of borax via feeding trials.
The findings indicated that a mixture of borax and cornmeal proved remarkably effective in eliminating rats, with a significantly lower lethal dose compared to other rat poisons available on the market.
How to Use Borax to Kill Rats: Borax Rat Poison Recipes
A Mixture of Borax and Sugar
Mix equal parts of borax and sugar in a bowl or container.
Place the mixture in areas where mice are known to frequent, such as along their pathways, near burrows, or in corners of the house.
Rats are attracted to the sugar and will consume the borax along with it.
Borax acts as a poison, disrupting the rat’s digestive system and eventually leading to death.
Borax and Cornmeal
Mix equal parts of borax and cornmeal in a bowl or container.
Place the mixture in small, shallow dishes or containers near rat activity areas.
Rats are attracted to the cornmeal and will consume the borax along with it.
Borax disrupts the rat’s internal organs, causing fatal damage.
Borax and Peanut Butter
Mix equal parts of borax and peanut butter in a bowl or container.
Spread the mixture onto small pieces of bread or crackers.
Place the baited bread or crackers in areas where rats are known to frequent.
Mice are attracted to peanut butter and will consume the borax along with it.
Borax acts as a poison, causing internal damage to the rat and leading to death.
What Does Borax Do to Rats?
Borax affects rats by disrupting their cellular functions, enzyme activity, and digestive system, leading to toxic effects and eventual death.
In addition to causing gastrointestinal distress, hormonal imbalances, and neurological damage, the borax contains boron, which is toxic to rats. Dehydration, lethargy, and loss of appetite are some of the symptoms.
When using borax, proper safety precautions should be taken to avoid toxic effects on humans and pets.
Consulting with a pest control professional is recommended for safe and effective rat control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Borax Keep Mice Away?
Yes, borax can help repel mice and keep them away from your home. You can sprinkle borax along pathways and anywhere you see signs of mice to deter them.
Additionally, you can sprinkle borax around gaps, cracks, eaves, rooftops, and other potential entry points to prevent mice from entering your home.
It’s important to choose a different method if you have children or pets, as borax can be harmful.
Is Borax Rat Poison?
Yes, borax can be used as a poison to kill rats. Borax works by causing dehydration in the rat, leading to its death.
You can mix borax with peanut butter or other food to make an effective poison bait for rats.
However, it’s important to use caution when handling borax and to keep it away from children and pets, as it can be harmful if ingested.
How Long Does Borax Take to Kill Rats?
Generally, rats may perish within a few hours of ingesting borax, although the timeline may be extended if water is accessible.
It’s crucial to understand that borax is not a quick fix for rat infestations, and noticeable results in reducing the rat population may take several days or even weeks to manifest.
Conclusion
Using borax to kill rats and mice in your home is one of the easiest and cheapest methods since you can purchase borax pretty much anywhere.
The process is also straightforward since you just need a small amount of it mixed with food, and it can solve your problem.
However, there are a few precautions and drawbacks if you decide on using this method. We have talked about them above.
Remember that borax is toxic and poisonous for all living organisms, including humans. Be very careful when using it; otherwise, it will be hazardous for anyone to ingest it.
