Using Borax Around Children and Pets

Using Borax Around Children and Pets

One of our most common questions we get time and time again is: Can I use TERRO® around my pets? To best answer this question lets take a closer look at borax, the active ingredient in our TERRO® Liquid Ant Bait Products.

What is Borax?

Borax is a natural mineral found in many common household products. Also known as sodium tetraborate decahydrate, borax is a mineral and a salt of boric acid. You typically see it in the grocery store by the laundry detergents, and it is commonly found in a white powder. People are often surprised to learn that Borax, the active ingredient found in TERRO® Liquid Ant Killer, is a common mineral used in a variety of everyday products like toothpaste, laundry detergent, cleaning products, even makeup! While borax is used in many households, it’s use with ants is another story. 

Borax and Ants

When ants consume the borax bait, it interferes with their digestive system and gradually kills them over 24-48 hours. This slow kill allows time for the worker ants to consume the bait and head back to the nest to share with the rest of the colony. There are a large variety of ants that will turn to our sweet liquid ant bait.

Borax, People & Pets

With any pesticide, it’s important to read the included instructions for information on how to best store and apply the product around children and pets. If you think a pet or child has come in contact with liquid bait, it is best to consult your doctor or vet and have the product's SDS with you as a reference. Everyone reacts differently, has different sensitivities, and allergies, so it’s best to be safe.

Over the years we moved from our original bait bottle to include some more placement options. Our new TERRO® Multi-Surface Discreet Bait Stations help to keep the bait out of sight from pets and children while still killing off the ant colony. This bait station can be placed on walls, under cabinets, and remain up off the floor.

Do you have any other questions about killing ants? Let us know when you visit TERRO® on Facebook. Learn more about ants in our insect library, too. For more on fighting pests or to receive exclusive updates on TERRO® products, subscribe to our eNewsletter.

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