Boric acid and its uses

Ever since its discovery boric acid has gone above and beyond expectation and has helped us produce many products and aids that have helped numerous different fields. It has shown over time that it is an effective ingredient in so many things from pesticides to the putty that our children play with.

Below is an overview of some of the more popular and surprising uses for boric acid.

Insect Control

This is regarded as one of the most important uses for boric acid. It is an important ingredient in many insecticides and types of insect bait that you find on the market today.

When in its powder form it is used as a dust that is applied to infestation areas such as cracks and crevices and underneath the sink. When done properly the dust should be barely visible. If the boric acid is applied too liberally the insects will avoid it and you also run the risk of your small child or pet getting into it and making themselves sick.

The trick to getting boric acid to work is for the insect to eat the mixture because it will not cause dehydration. Insects will ingest the acid when they groom themselves and then it will act as a stomach poison because insects cannot break it down as any other animal might.

Boric acid is regarded as one of the cheapest and most popular ways of getting rid of roaches, fleas, ants, and silverfish.

Medicinal

It has been shown to be an excellent antiseptic that can be used to treat minor cuts, burns, and sometimes it is used in salves. It is also one of the active ingredients in over-the-counter eye wash treatments.

Another use for diluted boric acid is yeast infections. In acream or antibacterial chemical compound, it can be used to treat things like acne or prevent athlete’s foot.

Industrial

Boric acid in the industrial industry is primarily used to make monofilament fiberglass or textile fiberglass. This fiberglass is used to help reinforce plastics that you would find on boats, computer circuit boards, and industrial piping.

Boric acid is used to make the glass in LCD displays. When combined with silicone oil, it forms what we know as silly putty.

Preservation

Boric acid has been found to prevent rotting in woods such as timber. It can be used in combinations with other chemicals to treat the outside of wood against different types of insect and fungal attacks. It creates an effective barrier for the wood that can help prevent insect infestations, and fungal growth.

Boric acid can also be combined with salt in order to cure animal hides because it’s a natural insecticide. Adding it helps to contain bacterial growth and prevent insects.