How to Use Boric Acid Against Carpet Beetles
Carpet beetles can massively damage area rugs and natural fiber carpets. If you notice signs of carpet beetles in your home, such as shed larval skin, fecal pellets, and fabric damage, take action immediately.
Use boric acid; it's lethal to carpet beetles!
First, vacuum the affected area to remove carpet beetle food sources. Sprinkle boric acid on your carpets and other affected areas and distribute it evenly using a brush or broom. Allow the insecticide to sit for several hours and then vacuum.
This article explains whether boric acid is effective against carpet beetles, how to use it, and how long to leave it on the carpet for excellent results.
Boric Acid for Carpet Beetles
Also known as trihydroxidoboron, orthoboric acid, or hydrogen orthoborate, boric acid is a compound of hydrogen, boron, and oxygen. It's usually in the form of a white powder or colorless crystals that dissolve in water. When used as a pesticide, boric acid kills carpet beetles, eggs, and larvae.
The larvae do the most harm, explaining why you should know how to get rid of carpet beetles as soon as you notice them.
Does Boric Acid Kill Carpet Beetles?
Yes, boric acid kills carpet beetles and their eggs completely. The hot water extraction method could be the best option if they have caused extensive damage or invaded your home in large numbers.
After cleaning your carpet, machine wash your clothes and bedding using the highest temperature to get rid of the eggs, larvae, and carpet beetles from your home. Of course, always ensure you follow the washing instructions to prevent damaging your clothes.
If the washing instructions don't allow the highest washing temperature, you might want to consider burning those clothes to prevent re-infestation.
How Does Boric Acid Kill Carpet Beetles?
Carpet beetles die after ingesting boric acid. It dehydrates carpet beetles, dust mites, and other insects within hours and kills them. For the boric acid to be effective, target areas where the insects love breeding.
How to Use Boric Acid to Kill Carpet Beetles
- Vacuum the infested areas to get rid of carpet beetle food sources.
- Wear protective clothes and ensure the room is properly ventilated before using boric acid.
- Paying special attention to cracks, crevices, and behind baseboards, sprinkle boric acid and generously spread it on the affected areas using a brush or broom.
- Allow the pesticide to sit for 2 to 3 hours to kill the eggs, larvae, and carpet beetles. Keep pets and children away from the treated areas.
- Vacuum the area several times and dispose of the vacuum bag after collecting all the boric acid.
- Use a damp cloth to remove traces of boric acid from previously treated areas.
Add 1 tbsp (4.2 g) of boric acid to 2 cups (473 ml) of hot water, put it in a spraying bottle, and shake thoroughly until the pesticides dissolve. Use the solution to get rid of carpet beetles in hard-to-reach areas. Focus on areas where carpet beetles love to hide, such as upholstery, curtains, skirting boards, and dark nooks.
NOTE: Don't use boric acid on dark fabric; it has a bleaching effect.
You can apply boric acid yourself, but if it is misapplied, it could damage carpets and other items.
Boric acid is poisonous to humans and pets when inhaled or ingested in large quantities. When using it, wear protective clothing and strictly follow the application instructions on the label. To be on the safe side or if you're unsure how to apply the pesticide safely, don't DIY. Hire pest control professionals. They're trained and have the equipment needed for pesticide application.
How Long to Leave Boric Acid on Carpet
Leave boric acid on the carpet for 2 to 3 hours. Some prefer boric acid because it quickly kills carpet beetles and their eggs.
FAQ
Does Boric Acid Kill Fleas in Carpets?
You can use boric acid for fleas in carpets because it dehydrates and kills them within 2 to 3 hours. Sprinkle boric acid powder or make a solution (as instructed above) and spray the infested areas.
Boric acid is, however, not the best way to get rid of carpet beetles or fleas if you have small children and pets. It's not safe for you either!
Hot water extraction is the best and safest method for removing carpet beetles, as high temperatures can kill the eggs, larvae, and carpet beetles.
Steam cleaning your carpet is a great practice, whether you have a carpet beetle infestation or not; it helps to keep dirt, dust, carpet beetles, and any contaminants away from your home.
Zerorez® uses the most powerful hot water extraction tools and proprietary cleaning solutions in the United States.
Call our customer care representatives for more information or schedule any cleaning service online.
