Many pesticide sprays and powders are dangerous, not to mention smelly, messy, and expensive. Of primary concern are highly toxic products that are effective in quickly attacking and destroying the nervous system of insects; they're extremely harmful to humans, as well. A safer, nontoxic alternative is available. It is odorless, clean, nontoxic, readily available everywhere, and relatively inexpensive. It has been in use for thousands of years. Boric acid, a common white powder mined from the Mohave Desert in California, effectively destroys virtually all insect species -- from roaches and ants to termites and fleas. It's available at drug stores and pharmacies everywhere. An even cheaper form can be found in supermarkets branded as "20 Mule Team Borax, a laundry additive which is basically the same thing. Got pesky little critters bugging you? Don't spray, give 'em a "healthy" dose of boric acid. And that's the On The House tip for today.