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How to Kill Pill Bugs in the House with Boric Acid

While pill bugs aren't dangerous, they are a nuisance to find living in your home. They usually enter the home through damp basements or drains. The safest and surest way to kill these insects is with boric acid powder. This powder is safer than most household insecticides, but is deadly to pill bugs and other insects. When the pill bugs crawl over the powder, it sticks to their bodies and is later ingested while eating or grooming. The most important element in using boric acid to kill pill bugs is proper placement.

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the areas the pill bugs are in thoroughly. Throw food debris away and sweep the floor to get rid of crumbs the pill bugs might feed on. Run a dehumidifier for at least three days to take extra moisture out of the air.
- 2
  Patch up cracks or crevices in the walls. Pill bugs can use these holes to crawl into your home.
- 3
  Sprinkle a thin layer of boric acid powder in the places the pill bugs live.
- 4
  Reapply the boric acid powder every two weeks. When sweeping up dead pill bugs or dirt around the home, sprinkle more powder in those areas.

Insects & Science