Reply #: Boric acid is not harsh.

[NYC]

It is a white powder. I think it has no odor. (I don't remember ever noticing any.)

You spread it where they are likely to walk (not around pets). It is good for 3 months or 6 months, then you have to spread new boric acid.

I think humans use it for eye wash, and I have heard that people use small doses for stomach aches, but I wonder if they are supposed to or not. THEY ARE NOT.

It is safe to be around, as long as you don't eat it. CORRECTION BELOW It isn't is poison. CORRECTION BELOW You cannot leave it where pets can get it. If you don't have pets, don't hesitate to spread it all over.

You can buy it at the drug store.

Borax contains boron, and I imagine boric acid does, too.

Apparently, it is poison. (Though I don't consider table salt poison, so I'm not sure what they are talking about.)

Read this:
It can be used as an antiseptic only for minor burns or cuts and is sometimes used in dressings or salves or is applied in a very dilute solution as an eye wash. It is poisonous if taken internally or inhaled, although it is generally not considered to be much more toxic than table salt (based on its mammal LD50 rating of 2660mg/kg body mass).

Re bug killing:
...especially in the case of cockroaches, the boric acid in the form of a powder is applied to areas frequented by the insects. The lightweight particles cling to the legs of the insects and eventually cause fatal chemical burns.

Doesn't work the way I thought. Sounds disgusting.

Anyway, for yourself, think of it this way. You wouldn't eat powdered laundry detergent because it would poison you, but you are not afraid to handle it. Boric acid is no more threatening than that. Keep it away from pets.