Q: I am considering buying a product called Dustmite and Flea Control made by the Ecology Works. I am allergic to dust mites and live in a carpeted apartment (can't take it out).
I sleep on my upholstered couch because I use my one bedroom for an office and studio. I want to spray as recommended on my couch and carpets after vacuuming.
Are there health risks to me if I spray on my couch as my face is not far from the back of the couch when sleeping. I wash the comforter often and have put pillow cases on the pillows that act as a barrier to the dust mites and change the top pillowcases a couple of times a week, but I am sure the dust mite debris is still coming off from the back and arms of the couch.
- G. Q., Pleasanton
A: Dustmite and Flea Control is made from boron, a naturally occurring element. It is harmful if ingested but if used as directed, it is not hazardous. It is closely related to borax, which is a combination of sodium, boron and oxygen and to boric acid, which is another very useful product.
Borax is an antibacterial and antifungal product that has been used as a cleanser and shampoo for many years. Boric acid is a crystalline material made from borax and is very effective in controlling many pests when used as a bait and mixed with normal food products.
Boric acid will also kill insects on contact: The product causes the insect to lose the waxy layer that helps it retain moisture and it dehydrates. Boric acid will remain effective for years in a dry environment. Borax will control or eliminate mold and many kinds of insects, including ants, lice, fleas and termites.
Borate compounds,when applied to wood, will kill termites and other wood-destroying insects by starvation. The product destroys their digestive enzymes and protozoa.
Because they are harmful if ingested, borate products should be kept out of reach of children or pets.
Q: A termite inspection uncovered both subterranean and drywood termites.
Something does not seem right though. They looked for pellets to confirm the presence of drywood termites. I can see how if there are pellets that means that there were termites, at some point in the past. But how does that guarantee that there are still termites active in the home?
Also, after the treatment is done and I check for pellets again, I will still see the same pellets in the same place. So how would I know that the treatment has been effective?
- P. K., San Jose
A: If pellets were found, that means there is an existing colony of drywood termites. They would not leave a perfectly edible house for no reason. They have to be evicted.
When the job is complete, make sure you clean or vacuum up all visible existing pellets. Then if you see more in the same areas, you will need to contact the company.
By: Richard Fagerlund
