Borates have long been used as a safer alternative to highly volatile, synthetic chemical pesticides.  The pesticide qualities of borates have been used for at least 300 years.  To stop decay or insects, builders and home owners can apply borates to existing wood.  Borates go directly on the wood an not into the soil.  Borates kill termites and other wood-eating insects by poisoning the microorganisms in the insects' digestive tracts that are needed to break down the wood's cellulose.  In other words, the termites starve to death.

Borates are being used more and more in the conservation of wooden structures and artifacts.  The chemical diffuses deep into wood fibers to stop wood decay fungi.  They are used in restoration projects from old homes to old ships.  If you are concerned about exposure to chemicals for your family and the environment, Bora-Care is a great alternative to traditional treatment methods.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Bora-Care?
Bora-Care is a patented liquid formulation to protect structural wood from attacking wood destroying organisms. It contains disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (also called DOT, a borate compound) as the active ingredient and also contains glycol penetrants to help the active ingredient diffuse into the wood.

What is a borate compound?
A borate compound contains the basic elements of boron and oxygen. Borate ores are mined from mineral deposits found in the earth. These mines can be found in western North America, South America and Asia. Borate compounds help create products such as ceramic tiles, fertilizers, glass, detergents, soaps, cosmetics, medicines and pest control products.

What are glycol penetrants?
Glycols are members of the class of compounds called alcohols. They are used in paints, dyes, inks, cosmetics and coolants. The glycols in Bora-Care allow more active ingredient to be dissolved into a true liquid solution. These glycols also aid in the diffusion of Bora-Care by drawing the borate active ingredient into the wood.

How do borates affect insect and fungus species?
Borates are toxic to both insects and fungus species. One mode of action is that borates disrupts the enzyme system of the insect and destroys the microflora (bacteria and protozoa) in the stomach of the insect, thus disallowing food digestion. Borates also affect the enzyme system of fungi and the active ingredient is a contact toxicant to fungus.

What wood destroying organisms will Bora-Care control?
Termites: Subterranean, Formosan, Drywood, Dampwood, Powder and Post
Beetles: Lyctidae and Bostrichidae species, Anobiid Beetles and Old House Borers
Carpenter Ants, Brown Rot, White Rot and Wood Decay Fungi

How long will Bora-Care stay in the wood?
Since Bora-Care is derived from minerals, once the active ingredient diffuses into the wood it will remain indefinitely. There are no natural forces that will degrade or break down the product inside the wood. Only high levels of water saturated in the wood will enable the active ingredient to be forced out. This saturated state is not normally found with interior structural wood. It is generally recommended to seal exposed exterior structural wood after application with Bora-Care to prevent the occurrence of excessive moisture.