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How to Get Rid of Roaches & Fleas

Many commercial products are available that can kill fleas and roaches, but most are usually highly toxic and not safe to use around pets and children. Boric acid is considered less toxic than most commercial brands and is extremely effective against killing both roaches and fleas. It's also nonrepellent toward insects, which means they will keep returning to treated areas until they are all dead.

Things You'll Need

Boric acid
Broom
Vacuum

Instructions

- 1
  Sprinkle boric acid lightly in the carpet of every room in your home. Use a broom to sweep the powder deep into the carpet's fibers. Let the boric acid sit for about a day.
- 2
  Vacuum up the dead roaches and fleas the next day. Discard all vacuum bags immediately in an outside trash bin.
- 3
  Apply a thin layer of boric acid to surfaces where you've seen roach and flea activity. The insects will crawl over the powder, ingest it, and die.
- 4
  Dust boric acid lightly over furniture and pet areas. Work the powder into the fabric with a handheld brush until it disappears. Vacuum off any excess powder from the furniture.
- 5
  Clean your kitchen daily and remove food sources for roaches. Store food in tightly lidded containers or in the refrigerator.

Insects & Science