Does Boric Acid Kill Termites? Here's the Real Deal

At Liberty Shield Pest Control, one of the most common questions we hear is: does boric acid kill termites?


The short answer is yes—but there's more to it. While boric acid can be effective in killing termites, it’s not a silver bullet, especially if you're dealing with a full-blown infestation.


Understanding how boric acid works, when to use it, and its limitations can help you make an informed decision about termite treatment—whether you’re going the DIY route or calling in the pros.

Let’s break it down.

How Boric Acid Works Against Termites


Boric acid is a naturally occurring compound often used in pest control because of its insecticidal properties. When termites come into contact with or ingest boric acid, it disrupts their digestive systems and nervous systems, eventually killing them. It can be applied as a powder, mixed into bait, or diluted as a spray.


We’ve seen boric acid used in DIY termite control efforts with mixed results. It's most effective on drywood termites when directly applied to wood or used in baiting systems. However, it has a harder time reaching deeply nested subterranean termites, which live underground in colonies and are more difficult to access.


The Pros and Cons of Using Boric Acid


Pros:


  • Readily available: You can find boric acid at most hardware stores or online as part of termite control products.

  • Low toxicity to humans and pets (when used correctly).

  • Works well for spot treatments on wood structures, furniture, and baseboards.

Cons:


  • Limited reach: It must be placed where termites will contact or consume it.

  • Slow-acting: It doesn’t kill on contact and takes days to affect the colony.

  • Not a long-term solution: It rarely eliminates the full termite colony, especially if you're not targeting the queen or nest.

So yes, boric acid can kill termites, but it’s best suited as a preventive measure or for minor termite problems. When it comes to large infestations or hidden colonies, you’ll need a more comprehensive strategy.

Signs You Need More Than Boric Acid


Boric acid may be effective for surface-level termite activity or as part of a DIY prevention plan—but when a serious infestation is underway, it simply doesn’t go deep enough to get the job done.


If you’ve started noticing any of the following red flags around your home, it’s a strong indicator that your termite issue is beyond what boric acid can handle.


Mud tubes along your foundation or walls


Subterranean termites build pencil-sized tunnels made of mud and debris to travel safely between their underground colonies and your home’s wooden structures.


These tubes are a major warning sign—they mean termites are active and potentially feeding on your home right now. Wiping the tubes away isn’t enough; they’ll rebuild them quickly unless the colony is eradicated.


Hollow-sounding or brittle wooden structures


Tap on wooden beams, baseboards, or door frames. If they sound hollow or crumble easily under slight pressure, termites have likely been feeding inside the wood for some time. This kind of internal damage can’t be reached with topical treatments like boric acid.


Discarded wings near windowsills or doorways


Termite swarmers (also called alates) shed their wings after they find a place to establish a new colony. Finding piles of small, translucent wings—especially around windows or light sources—is a strong sign that termites are reproducing nearby. This stage of infestation requires immediate action to stop the spread.


Visible termite damage to trim, flooring, or walls


 If you’re starting to see bubbling paint, blistered wood, or visible tunnels and grooves etched into your flooring or trim, termites have already made themselves at home.


These are not just cosmetic issues—this level of damage can compromise your home’s structural integrity if left untreated.


Bubbling paint or buckled wood


Moisture buildup caused by termite activity can cause paint to bubble or wood to warp. Many homeowners mistake these signs for water damage at first, but in many cases, termites are to blame. If you notice these signs and can’t identify a plumbing issue, it’s time to dig deeper.


Each of these symptoms often points to an active infestation—especially from subterranean termites, which are among the most destructive termite species in the United States. These pests can cause significant structural damage in a matter of months, not years.


If you’re seeing one or more of these signs, applying more boric acid won’t be enough. In fact, delaying professional intervention can make the problem worse, as termites continue feeding and expanding their colonies out of sight.


This is exactly where our team at Liberty Shield Pest Control comes in.


We provide thorough termite inspections, accurate identification of species, and strategic treatment plans that go far beyond the surface. We’re here to make sure your home is not just treated—but fully protected from further damage.

DIY Termite Control vs. Professional Help


We completely understand the appeal of tackling termite problems on your own. DIY termite control methods—like using boric acid, over-the-counter sprays, or store-bought baits—can seem like a cost-effective way to stop the damage before it gets out of hand.


And in some cases, they can be helpful. If you're catching an infestation early or trying to protect exposed areas of wood, boric acid and other termite control products may help slow the spread or act as a short-term preventive measure.


But here’s the reality: DIY solutions only go so far.


Termites are experts at staying hidden. They build colonies deep within your walls, crawl spaces, and soil. By the time you notice signs of activity—like mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, or visible damage—it’s likely that the infestation is already well established.


Applying boric acid or surface treatments may kill a few foragers, but they won’t reach the termite colony itself. And if you miss even one satellite colony or the queen, the infestation will return—sometimes worse than before.


That’s where our team at Liberty Shield Pest Control makes the difference.


As a certified termite and pest control company, we take a comprehensive, strategic approach to termite management.


Our technicians don’t just treat the surface; we dig deep (literally and figuratively) to identify entry points, understand the scope of the damage, and locate where the termites are nesting.


Every infestation is different, and our job is to customize your solution based on species, property layout, and level of infestation.


We use a range of EPA-approved tools and treatments, including:


  • Baiting systems that target termite behavior and deliver slow-acting toxins to wipe out colonies

  • Liquid barrier treatments that protect your foundation from future invasions

  • Foam and wood injections to treat hard-to-reach internal structures

  • Drywood and subterranean termite strategies, tailored to the species we identify

And it doesn’t stop at treatment. We also help you fortify your home with long-term prevention, offering guidance on how to prevent termites through moisture control, structural maintenance, and follow-up inspections.


The biggest advantage of professional help? Peace of mind.


With us, you’re not guessing, experimenting, or hoping for the best. You’re partnering with a team that’s trained, licensed, and experienced in protecting homes across the United States. We don’t settle for surface-level solutions—we go straight to the source and eliminate the threat at its root.


If you're serious about getting rid of termites and keeping your home safe for the long haul, professional help isn’t just worth it—it’s essential.

How We Handle Termite Infestations


Our process starts with a detailed termite inspection to identify infestation points, damage severity, and colony locations.

Then, we develop a personalized plan using a mix of:


  • Baiting systems to target hidden colonies

  • Foam treatments for hard-to-reach voids

  • Wood injections in localized areas

  • Preventive barriers to stop future entry

We don’t just want to kill termites—we want to keep them out for good. That’s why we also recommend annual inspections and proactive treatments, especially if you live in a termite-prone region of the United States.


What You Can Do at Home to Help


While our team at Liberty Shield Pest Control handles the hard work of eliminating termite colonies and protecting your home, there are some simple—yet powerful—steps you can take to help us prevent future infestations. A strong termite defense starts with awareness and proactive maintenance around your property.


Seal cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation and siding


Termites don’t need much space to find their way inside. Even a small crack can serve as an access point. We recommend inspecting the exterior of your home regularly and sealing any gaps around utility lines, vents, windows, and door frames. Preventing access is one of the first lines of defense.


Fix leaks promptly to reduce moisture


Termites are drawn to moisture. Leaky pipes, clogged gutters, and poor drainage can create damp environments where termites thrive. Repair any plumbing issues quickly, keep your gutters clear, and ensure water drains away from your home’s foundation. Keeping your home dry makes it far less attractive to termites.


Keep firewood and mulch away from the exterior walls


Stacking firewood or piling mulch too close to your home provides termites with both shelter and a bridge to your structure. Store firewood at least 20 feet from your house and elevate it off the ground. If using mulch, avoid piling it against the foundation—opt for a thinner layer or consider gravel as an alternative.


Ventilate crawl spaces and attics


Damp, enclosed areas like crawl spaces and attics can harbor excess moisture that attracts termites. Proper ventilation keeps these spaces dry and discourages termites from settling in. If these areas are poorly ventilated or humid, consider improving airflow or installing a dehumidifier.


Schedule regular inspections


Even if you don’t see any visible signs of a termite infestation, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.


Termites often cause significant damage before they’re noticed. That’s why we recommend a professional termite inspection at least once a year. Our team knows exactly where to look and what to watch for, ensuring issues are caught early and handled effectively.


By combining professional protection with proactive maintenance, you can significantly reduce your risk of termite problems and keep your home safe for the long run.

Does Boric Acid Kill Termites? The Verdict


Yes—boric acid can kill termites, but only under the right conditions. It works best as a spot treatment or as part of a larger DIY termite control effort for minor infestations. However, boric acid is not a comprehensive solution. It won’t reach deeply nested colonies, won’t stop a spreading infestation, and won’t protect your home long-term.


If you’re facing signs of structural damage, mud tubes, or widespread activity, it’s time to go beyond boric acid. That’s when our professional team at Liberty Shield Pest Control steps in—with advanced tools, targeted treatments, and the expertise to eliminate termites at the source.


Partner with Liberty Shield Pest Control


At Liberty Shield Pest Control, we’ve helped homeowners across the region tackle everything from minor infestations to full-scale termite damage. Whether you're curious about boric acid, exploring DIY termite control, or ready to get professional help, we’re here to make the process easy, effective, and stress-free.


Don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Contact us today to schedule your termite inspection or get a quote for our certified treatment plans.