Can you use boric acid powder to treat bed bugs?

Boric acid is in the desiccant class of pesticides, which can kill bed bugs by destroying the protective coating of the exoskeleton, states the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Once this coating is destroyed, the bed bugs slowly dehydrate and die.

Only use boric acid that is specifically labeled for use as an insecticide, states the EPA. Use it only in cracks and crevices to reduce the risk of inhalation. If a bed bug infestation is suspected, perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the degree of the infestation, and then consult a pest control firm that specializes in bed bug removal.