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Average Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars Rating: 4.6

405 Reviews | 788 Q&A

Product Overview

Bora-Care is a borate-based product that provides prevention and control of Termites, Carpenter Ants, Powderpost Beetles and Decay Fungi. Bora-Care can be used on all cellulosic materials including wood, plywood, particle board, paper, oriented strand board (OSB), cardboard, and wood composite structural components, as well as concrete, block, brick, metals, PVC plumbing pipes and other non-cellulosic materials not intended for food contact. Apply Bora-Care solutions only to bare surfaces where an intact water-repellent barrier, such as paint, stain or sealer is not present. If you are looking to kill and prevent mold, please see Bora-Care with Mold-Care. Also, a dye can be added to the Bora-Care solution when treating studs or wood inside wall voids called Turf Mark Blue. Bora-Care will dry clear and will not change the color of your wood.  

Bora-Care cannot be applied to any live trees or plants.

Features and Specs

Active Ingredient Boron sodium oxide (B8Na2O13), tetrahydrate (12280-03-4) 40%
Target pests Wood Destroying Fungus, Termite Control and wood-destroying insects such as termites, carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, etc.
Application For powder post beetles, Bora-Care must be used on untreated wood. It is preferred over other treatments such as timbor in treating furniture because Bora-Care dries clear and will leave the furniture in its natural state. It will also absorb much further into the wood so you know the infestation is treated. Bora-Care is diluted with water at a 1:1 - 5:1 ratio depending on the pest you are targeting.
Yield One gallon of Bora-Care will treat approximately 100 lineal feet of 2 x 4 stud wall. This includes sill plate and header. For other dimensional lumber, logs, or siding and plywood, please see the product label to the right. Typically, one gallon of concentrate Bora-Care will treat 800 square feet of a 2x4 stud wall, and 500 square feet of a crawl space or attic.
NOT FOR SALE TO NY (Restricted to Licensed Applicators Only)
Coverage Area Post construction and active infestations use rate is 1:1
Preventative use rate is 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, or 5:1 Refer to the label for complete instructions.
Shipping Weight 11.85 lbs
Manufacturer Nisus (Mfg. Number: PRO-BORACARE4X1)
UPC 616609111025
EPA Registration 64405-1

Details

Bora-Care is a professional borate wood treatment that penetrates deep into wood to protect against termites, wood-destroying insects, decay fungi, and wood rot. Unlike surface-only wood sprays, Bora-Care uses a patented carrier system that allows the active ingredient to diffuse throughout the wood for long-lasting protection.

 

What Pests Does Bora-Care Control?

Bora-Care kills and prevents a wide range of wood-destroying insects and fungi, including:

  • Subterranean termites
  • Formosan termites
  • Drywood termites
  • Dampwood termites
  • Carpenter ants
  • Powderpost beetles
  • Old house borers
  • Longhorn beetles
  • Ambrosia beetles
  • Wood decay fungi
  • Brown rot and white rot fungi
  • Algae on wood surfaces

Bora-Care is commonly used as both a preventative treatment and a remedial treatment for active infestations. Check the label for all target pests and uses for Bora-Care.

 

How Does Bora-Care Work?

When termites, powderpost beetles, carpenter ants, or other wood-boring insects ingest treated wood, the borate active ingredient disrupts the microorganisms in their digestive systems that are needed to digest cellulose. This causes the insects to starve and die. Bora-Care also helps deter termite tunneling and shelter tube formation.

Because Bora-Care penetrates the wood itself, it provides protection for the life of the treated wood when protected from excessive moisture and weather exposure.

ACTIVE INGREDIENT: Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate (Borate) 40%

 

Where Can Bora-Care Be Used?

Bora-Care is labeled for use in:

  • Homes
  • Crawl spaces
  • Attics
  • Basements
  • Garages
  • Warehouses
  • Schools
  • Hotels
  • Museums
  • Farm buildings
  • Kennels
  • Food processing non-food areas

It is widely used for both new construction termite pretreatments and existing structure wood preservation treatments.

 

What Surfaces Can Bora-Care Be Applied?

Bora-Care can be applied to most unfinished cellulosic building materials, including:

  • Wood framing
  • Plywood
  • Particle board
  • OSB (oriented strand board)
  • Cardboard
  • Wood composite materials
  • Logs and timbers
  • Decks and fencing
  • Crawl spaces and attics
  • Interior trim and unfinished furniture

Bora-Care can also be applied to concrete, block, brick, and other non-cellulosic surfaces to help prevent termite shelter tube formation.

 

Can Bora-Care Be Used Outdoors?

Yes, Bora-Care can be used on exterior wood structures including:

  • Decks
  • Fences
  • Sheds
  • Porches
  • Railings
  • Logs and timbers

For outdoor use:

  • Apply only to bare wood.
  • Do not apply during rain or snow.
  • Protect treated wood from rain for at least 48 hours.
  • Apply a water-resistant topcoat within 6 weeks for longer-lasting protection.
 
 

What is the Standard Bora-Care Mixing Ratio?

The correct Bora-Care dilution ratio depends on the type of treatment being performed.

  • 1:1 ratio – Active infestations, post-construction termite treatments, thick wood applications
  • 2:1 ratio – Foaming or misting applications, hardwood flooring treatments
  • 3:1 ratio – Remedial fungi and algae treatments
  • 5:1 ratio – Preventative and pre-construction treatments

Bora-Care must always be mixed with hot water for proper dilution.

 

What is the Bora-Care Mixing Ratio for Termite & Wood-Boring Insect Treatments?

The Bora-Care mixing ratio depends on whether you are treating an active infestation or applying it as a preventative wood treatment.

  • For active infestations of termites, powderpost beetles, carpenter ants, or other wood-boring insects, mix Bora-Care at a 1:1 ratio (1 gallon of Bora-Care to 1 gallon of hot water).
  • For preventative treatments, mix Bora-Care at a 1:5 ratio (1 gallon of Bora-Care to 5 gallons of hot water).

Always follow the Bora-Care label instructions for the specific pest and wood application.

 

How Do you Mix Bora-Care?

For best results, Bora-Care should be mixed in a separate bucket using hot water before adding the solution to spray equipment. Mixing tips:

  1. Use hot water only.
  2. Mix Bora-Care in a bucket first.
  3. Stir thoroughly until fully blended.
  4. Transfer the finished solution into your sprayer.

Never mix Bora-Care directly inside the spray tank, as improper mixing may clog the sprayer. Using an impeller mixer attached to a drill can help speed up the dilution process.

 

How Do You Dilute Bora-Care Correctly?

Bora-Care must always be mixed with hot water for proper dilution. Cold water can cause the product to thicken and clog spray equipment.

For best results:

  1. Heat water before mixing.
  2. Mix Bora-Care in a separate bucket first.
  3. Stir thoroughly until fully blended.
  4. Add the finished solution to your sprayer.

Do not mix Bora-Care directly inside your sprayer tank, as incomplete dilution may clog the equipment.

 

How Much Area Does Bora-Care Cover?

Coverage rates vary depending on the wood’s size and thickness, and the product’s dilution ratio. Typical coverage includes:

  • Approximately 800 sq ft of 2x4 stud wall area per gallon of concentrate at a 1:1 ratio
  • Approximately 500 sq ft of crawl space or attic wood
  • Approximately 400 sq ft on non-cellulosic surfaces per gallon of finished solution

Thinner wood surfaces such as siding may provide greater coverage.

 
 

How to Apply Bora-Care?

Bora-Care can be applied using:

  • Sprayers
  • Brushes
  • Rollers
  • Foam applications
  • Injection treatments for galleries and voids

The product cannot be applied using fogging equipment. Bora-Care is typically applied until the wood surface is thoroughly saturated.

 

Can Bora-Care Be Used on Pressure-Treated Wood?

Yes, Bora-Care can be applied to pressure-treated wood, especially when the wood is unfinished, unpainted, or newly cut.

Bora-Care is commonly used on:

  • Pressure-treated sill plates
  • Deck framing
  • Cut ends of treated lumber
  • Drilled or exposed wood surfaces

In many building applications, cut or drilled pressure-treated wood requires a field treatment to meet building code requirements. Bora-Care also helps protect vulnerable wood areas from termite damage, wood rot, and decay fungi over time.

 

Can Bora-Care Be Used on Painted, Stained, or Sealed Wood?

No. Bora-Care must be applied directly to raw, unfinished wood to penetrate properly.

Paint, stain, sealants, and water-repellent finishes prevent Bora-Care from absorbing into the wood fibers. If the wood has an existing finish, it should be sanded or stripped before treatment.

 

Can Wood That Has Been Treated with Bora-Care Be Painted or Stained?

Yes. Once Bora-Care has fully dried, treated wood can be:

  • Painted
  • Stained
  • Sealed
  • Primed

Most applications dry within approximately 24 hours, depending on temperature, humidity, and wood type.

 

How Long Does Bora-Care Take to Dry?

Bora-Care typically dries within 24 to 48 hours after application.

Drying time can vary based on:

  • Wood moisture content
  • Temperature
  • Humidity
  • Ventilation

Allow the treated wood to dry completely before touching, painting, staining, or sealing the surface.

 

How Many Coats of Bora-Care Should Be Applied?

Most applications benefit from two coats of Bora-Care for optimal penetration and long-term protection.

Applying two coats helps Bora-Care absorb deeper into bare wood to protect against:

  • Subterranean termites
  • Drywood termites
  • Powderpost beetles
  • Carpenter ants
  • Wood decay fungi

Always apply Bora-Care to raw, untreated wood whenever possible for best absorption.

 

How Long Does Bora-Care Last After Application?

Once Bora-Care penetrates and dries inside the wood, it provides long-lasting protection for the life of the wood when protected from excessive weather exposure or water intrusion.

Because Bora-Care diffuses deep into the wood fibers, it continues protecting against termites and wood-destroying insects long after application.

 

What is the Shelf Life of Bora-Care?

  • Undiluted Bora-Care has a shelf life of up to 3 years when stored properly.
  • Diluted Bora-Care should be used immediately after mixing.

If diluted Bora-Care sits for several hours, the solution may begin separating and become difficult or impossible to remix properly.

Store Bora-Care in its original container in a cool, dry location away from freezing temperatures.

 

What are the Benefits of Bora-Care?

Bora-Care offers several advantages over traditional soil-applied termite treatments:

  • Penetrates deep into wood instead of remaining on the surface
  • Long-lasting protection for the life of the wood
  • No soil trenching required
  • No VOC emissions
  • Can be applied during construction without weather delays
  • Does not interfere with painting or staining after drying
  • Helps qualify builders for LEED and green building programs

Bora-Care is also EPA-registered as a primary perimeter termite pretreatment for new construction.

 

Bora-Care Protects Home Without Chemicals

Bora-Care Remains Active in Wood for Life

Protect your Investment with Bora-Care

Review Search   
Sort Reviews
  • 1 of 5 Stars

    I wouldn't buy this again

    By Doris on 04/27/2010

    Verified Purchase

    I had my home sprayed with this for the wood post beetles and they were gone...until today they came back. For over a week not a single one was sighted. This does work on contact but the reason that I bought this product was because it claimed to kill up to twelve months...I didn't even get twelve days of peace.

    Expert ResponseExpert response:
    Bora-Care is the best wood treatment product on the market.  However, Bora-Care can take up to a month to diffuse completely through the entire piece of wood after you treat it.  Since powderpost beetle larvae can be deep in the wood, it is normal to continue to see activity for awhile until the Bora-Care makes it all the way through the wood.  Of course the true benefit of Bora-Care is that after it does diffuse all of the way through the wood and kill the larvae, it will stay in the wood forever and you never have to worry about wood destroying insects again.

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    540 of 591 people found this review helpful

  • 5 of 5 Stars

    Bora-Care is the BEST!

    By Michael on 01/11/2010

    Verified Purchase

    I had a termite control company give me an estimate to spot treat my drywood termites and it was astronomical! I found that DoMyOwnPestControl.com had the same product Boracare for a fraction of the cost. I treated my infestation using the recommendations on the website and now I have a termite free home and more money in my pocket!

    Was this review helpful to you?  YesNo

    377 of 393 people found this review helpful

  • 5 of 5 Stars

    Easy to mix and use, and I don't get sick

    By Larry on 06/08/2010

    Verified Purchase

    I have used half a gallon for remediation of dry wood termites on fascia boards by using 1:1 and 1:2 dilutions applied to bare wood and by injecting in drilled holes where the wood is covered by paint. I like this product as well as the Bifen IT, as they are fairly non-toxic to people and animals. I can use both of them extensively without feeling ill effects myself. I added Bifen IT to the Boracare solution to get a 0.12% Bifen IT concentration (double strength). The Bifen IT works as an quick termiticide and the Boracare provides long term protection. Now that I have stopped the active infestations, I can take my time and protect the rest of my house's fascia, rafter and joist board ends with simply painting a 1:5 Boracare dilution on the ends of the boards (where dry wood termites enter). I will need a 2nd gallon of Boracare to protect the entire house and will be ordering soon. For approximately $200 of products from Domyownpestcontrol, I will have done the remediation work and the whole house protection. This has been a lot of work, but I have saved many thousands of dollars, plus I can take my time and know that the job is done right.

    Was this review helpful to you?  YesNo

    288 of 297 people found this review helpful

  • 4 of 5 Stars

    BoraCare user review

    By Kevin on 05/08/2010

    Verified Purchase

    Used product on wall studs, when I was repairing a wall due to termite damage. My project lasted about three days. I used a 1:1 mix and I did not pay too much attention to the one day usage. The product crystalized in my sprayer - took awhile to clean the sprayer.

    Was this review helpful to you?  YesNo

    154 of 170 people found this review helpful

  • 5 of 5 Stars

    Bora-Care Product Review

    By Patrick on 04/29/2010

    Verified Purchase

    I don't know why the wood adjacent to my bath tub wet wall was moist?  There were no leaks and the plumbing vent to the roof was well sealed.  Condensation?  The bath drainpipe and water inlets come up through a hole in the slab. The subterranean termite varmints tunneled 10' or 40' under the house slab and surfaced at this point of exposed earth attracted by the moist wood. They swarmed the first warm days in Spring. I treated the exposed earth area with the Dominion 2L termiticide and then filled it with sand. I treated the slab, wood framing, floor and molding with a 2:1 mixture of BoraCare. I sprayed BoraCare down from the attic and drilled holes in the walls where there was no other access. I will finish by treating the ground around the house with Dominion 2L. My problem appears to be solved for under $200. Thanks DoMyOwnPestControl.com!

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    153 of 162 people found this review helpful

See all 405 customer reviews

Questions & Answers

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Q
Is Boracare pet safe?

will boracare be safe to use around cats and dogs

A
Bora-Care is a very safe product and it is considered a green product as well.  Typically, it takes about an hour for the surface of the wood to dry.  After application has dried completely, it should be perfectly fine for children and pets to re-enter the house. Please read the BoraCare product label for complete usage instructions.

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81 of 84 people found this answer helpful

Q
Can I use BoraCare on an infested chair with dry wood termites? This chair is not painted.
A
Yes, you will want to use Boracare on infested furniture at a 1:1 ratio. Treat all accessible areas of the raw wood to ensure the Boracare is absorbed completely throughout the wood. After 1st application, let dry for approx 30 min - 1 hour and do a 2nd coat. After both applications, it is recommended you may apply a stain or clear coat to protect your treatment. Please refer to page 4 of product label for detailed instructions.

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0 of 1 people found this answer helpful

Q
Do I need to spray both sides of boards using Bora-Care if they are only 1 inch thick?

I just put board and batten siding on an outdoor shed. These boards were cut from green logs and put directly on the shed. Since the boards are only an inch thick, and Boracare penetrates more than that, is there really any need to spray it on both sides of the boards?

A

If you can treat all sides of the wood when applying Boracare, that is best. However, if you can only access one side, then it would still be recommended to apply two coats of Boracare at least 20 minutes apart. If the wood is still very fresh, then it is best to let it cure for at least a few days before applying Boracare.

Keep in mind that for prevention you can dilute Boracare at the 5:1 ratio with water, per the product label.

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7 of 7 people found this answer helpful

Q
How much do i sand my fence before applying BoraCare?

My yard fence is made of painted 4x4, 2x4 and 2x2 boards. Is it sufficient to sand only one side of each board for effective application of BoraCare, or to I need to sand all 4 sides of each?

A
For best penetration and protection it is recommended by the manufacturer to sand all 4 sides of the wood so that you can apply the Boracare to all 4 sides to ensure complete treatment of the wood. If you do chose to only sand 1 or 2 sides of the wood make sure all paint particles are removed and you are only applying to pure raw wood and you may need to make multiple coats to ensure the product moves all the way through the wood.

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0 of 1 people found this answer helpful

Q
What termite control product is safe to use around cats?

I want to spray my 4 outdoor wood decks to protect against termites (house and decks were completely tented in April 2015.

A

Bora-Care is a very safe product and it is considered a green product as well.  Typically, it takes about an hour for the surface of the wood to dry.  After application has dried completely, it should be perfectly fine for children and pets to re-enter the house. Please read the BoraCare product label for complete usage instructions.  Boracare does have to be applied to raw, untreated, unpainted wood.

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3 of 3 people found this answer helpful

Q
How deeply will Bora-Care penetrate into 2" x 12" unfinished floor joists? What is your basis for this data?

What is the basis for how deeply will Boracare penetrate into unfinished wood (pine). Can you provide supporting documentation from the manufacturer or another source?

A
Bora-Care will absorb fully into new 2" x 12" wood that is unfinished. You can apply the Bora-Care at a 1:1 ratio for active insect infestations or at a 5:1 ratio for prevention. It is recommended to apply the Boracare to all sides of the wood, or to apply two coats if not all sides can be reached. You can view full product information and application details on the label here. If you still need additional information, then you can reach the manufacturer, Nisus, at 800-264-0870.

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1 of 1 people found this answer helpful

Q
I have barn beams that have small holes. Will Bora-Care work to kill any potential beetles?
A

Yes, Bora-Care would be applied at a 1:1 ratio to the areas where you have activity. The 1:1 ratio is for curative treatments, for preventative you would apply at a 3:1 or 5:1 ratio. 

Please review page 5 and page 10 on the product label for dimensional lumber information. 2 coats may be needed to ensure the Boracare absorbs all the way through the beam. 

 

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Q
Old House Wood Bore Finished Logs

I have a log home that was sand blasted and refinished about 4 years ago. I now see what I believe to be Old House Wood bore beetles coming out. I see reference to injection the product

A
If the inside of the logs are not finished you can certainly apply a few coats of the Boracare from the inside but it is not guaranteed it will penetrate all the way through the wood with the finish on the other side. If you were injecting from the outside, another product made by Nisus like the Boracare woudl be better. The product is Jecta and is specifically designed to drill holes and treat finished wood that cant be stripped or sanded down for an application of Boracare. 

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0 of 2 people found this answer helpful

Q
Does Boracare even penetrate hard woods as well?
A

Boracare can be used on ANY raw wood that is not painted, stained, or sealed. Even hardwoods. Since it dries on clear, it is no problem to stain, paint, or seal when you are done or apply a clear coat finish. 

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10 of 11 people found this answer helpful

Q
Can Boracare be used on an unfinished hardwood floor that will be top coated with a clear finish?
A
Bora-Care can be used on any raw wood that is not painted, stained, or sealed.  Since it dries on clear, it is no problem to stain, paint, or seal when you are done or apply a clear coat finish.

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1 of 1 people found this answer helpful

Items 11 - 20 (of 42 Total)

Bora-Care 4.5 out of 5 stars Rating: 4.6 (405 Reviews / 788 Q&A)

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