Boric Acid

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Author Message Brian Payne, AIA Senior Member Username: brian_payne Post Number: 82 Registered: 01-2014 Posted on Tuesday, April 04, 2017 - 01:19 pm:    Client is requesting a medium dusting of Boric Acid in the stud wall cavities prior to enclosing them with gypsum board. Anyone see any issues with adding this as an accessory to the gypsum assembly section? Dave Metzger Senior Member Username: davemetzger Post Number: 685 Registered: 07-2001 Posted on Tuesday, April 04, 2017 - 01:23 pm:    I have no experience with this, have never even heard of it, but the question I'd have is, what constitutes a "medium dusting"? Can it be quantified? Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, NCARB Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 1746 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Tuesday, April 04, 2017 - 01:33 pm:    Dave, roaches eat boric acid acid (mixed with a little sugar) and explode, its very effective, in So FL we buy boric acid in powder form in a dispenser and blow it into crevices, under appliances. In the 'old days" we used to make it ourselves, now it comes premixed in dispensers. No harmful insecticides needed. I expect one of our chemistry minded members will post the nitty gritty. Brian Payne, AIA Senior Member Username: brian_payne Post Number: 83 Registered: 01-2014 Posted on Tuesday, April 04, 2017 - 01:36 pm:    I found a product called BorActin. I was planning on just spec'n manufacturers recommended blah blah, but here is the application Rates and Methods: Application Rates and Methods: using a bellows or other appropriate duster at a rate of 1 lb per 1000 sq ft. As a liquid: Mix 1 lb per gallon of water and apply at a rate of one gallon per 1000 sq ft. Make up only the amount of solution to use that day. As a foam: Mix as for liquid and add the appropriate amount of foaming agent. Apply foam in sufficient quantities to fill treated voids. As a mop solution: As a supplemental treatment, mix one cup of product per gallon of mop water. Make up only enough for current application and reapply as needed. Remove or brush any powder visible after treatment into cracks and crevices. After mopping, up to a quart of mop solution can be poured into each floor drain to control drain flies. New Construction Pre-Treats: For the prevention of drywood termites and roaches, apply at a rate of 4 lbs per 1000 square feet. Apply around the edges of attics near the eaves and around vent stacks. Also apply along baseplates and in plumbing voids. Personal Protective Equipment: In California wear normal work clothing (e.g. long sleeve shirt, long pants, shoes plus socks) and a NIOSH/MSHA approved dust mask respirator. Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, NCARB Senior Member Username: lazarcitec Post Number: 1747 Registered: 05-2003 Posted on Tuesday, April 04, 2017 - 01:42 pm:    Roaches that get in contact with boric acid also feel its affects, but I hate roaches (and palmetto bugs-roaches on steroids) I make sure its tasty for them. Boris Acid works very fast. Not harmful to pets. Lisa Goodwin Robbins, RA, CCS, LEED ap Senior Member Username: lgoodrob Post Number: 314 Registered: 08-2004 Posted on Tuesday, April 04, 2017 - 01:48 pm:    Brian, I don't know where your project is located, but here in the Northeast, we sprinkle powdered boric acid into wood stud cavities where we have seen evidence of carpenter ants. At my house, I've just poured it straight from the box. Very high tech installation method, I know. - Ellis C. Whitby, PE, CSI, AIA, LEED Senior Member Username: ecwhitby Post Number: 288 Registered: 03-2003 Posted on Tuesday, April 04, 2017 - 02:53 pm:    As I recall from some lab projects some years ago, boric acid is used in walls around vivariums. Common practice I was informed. Unfortunately I cannot remember how we specified it: the project files are long archived. Scott McIntosh-Mize Senior Member Username: scott_mize_ccs_csi Post Number: 105 Registered: 02-2009 Posted on Friday, April 07, 2017 - 07:02 pm:    These guys make liquid and foam termiticides based on boric acid chemistry: http://nisuscorp.com/architects. The products are designed to be applied directly to building materials (wood, steel, concrete). They're sure to be more expensive than simple boric acid, but you're bound to get more controlled application, and more uniform coverage.