Orthoboric Acid from pest control - harmful to palms?

[PalmX]

Pest control came by and in the notes they said they spread Orthoboric Acid granuals around outside. 

Will this be harmful to my palms? It seems as if the technician specifically put some in my pots as well (found a lot of small granuals on the top soil)... probably just trying to help but I'm concerned.

Should I redo my top soil In the pots?

Thanks,
Tim

Edited May 23, 2020 by PalmX

[awkonradi]

Unless the application was absurdly heavy, I don't think the boric acid will poison your palms.  Would you like to post a picture of the heaviest application, or describe it?

Edited May 23, 2020 by awkonradi

[PalmX]

55 minutes ago, awkonradi said:

Unless the application was absurdly heavy, I don't think the boric acid will poison your palms.  Would you like to post a picture of the heaviest application, or describe it?

8oz total around the property.

It wasn't caked into the pots, but it was noticeable enough that I wondered what it was before I saw the pest control receipt and pieced it together.

I will post a pic soon.

[awkonradi]

I would be surprised that 8 oz spread on more than 10 square feet could be a problem.

Edited May 23, 2020 by awkonradi

[medsark]

I think you should protect your palms during the process. Remember that pest chemicals can be toxic for the human body in significant amounts. When I called the pets service to deal with my cockroaches' problem at my summer house, they were all equipped with special ammunition covering all their body parts. At your place, I would consult with the pets company about the right way of protection. You can call this service or write in at their site online chat https://ajverminatorpestcontrol.com/.

Edited December 2, 2021 by medsark

[BigWaveDav3]

I have mixed 1 oz boric acid with a couple gallons of water to treat a queen palm that had crooked premature emerging fronds. It's fine as long as it is not too much of a concentration or too frequent as it can become toxic.  A study of Boron deficiency recommended about 2-4 oz mixed in 5 gallons of water to drench around the drip zone of deficient palms and not to be reapplied for at least 5 months.  The concentration of Boron in the Boric acid (the stuff I used was ant powder) was the same as Borax you can buy labeled as laundry booster.  I would be most concerned about the amount of granules in the pots since that soil is essentially an island.