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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   
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  • 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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    537 of 588 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

    372 of 385 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

    287 of 296 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
Old railroad ties had poria last year. I will treat them with Bora-Care, but if they are outside in the rainy season....

I had to rip out half my pottery studio because mudslides clogged the crawl space underneath and poria fungus destroyed a lot of the structure. Now another structure is right by a retaining wall of railroad ties that had some fungus last year and dried out. one side of them is butted up to the dirt they are retaining, but my thought is to spray the exposed sides, then seal them 48 hours later. Will this keep the Bora Care protected from washing away?

A

You will need to do 2 application of Bora-Care. After applying first coat you will wait 20 minutes and then add the second coat.

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Q
How long should I wait before applying a second coat of Bora-Care on a sill plate?

Do I wait until the first has dried out?

A

Bora-Care is a one-time treatment unless the wood is removed or water conditions like exposure to rainfall or flooding weaken the treatment. If you are applying 2 coats of Bora-Care because you can only access 1 or 2 sides of the wood to be treated, then you need to wait at least 20 minutes between coats, allowing the Bora-Care to absorb before applying the second coat.

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14 of 14 people found this answer helpful

Q
In treating sanded hardwood floors for powder post beetles, should two coats of Boracare be applied?

If two coats are applied, what is the drying time needed between coats?

A

Bora-Care is a one-time treatment unless the wood is removed or water conditions like exposure to rainfall or flooding weaken the treatment. If you are applying 2 coats of Bora-Care because you can only access 1 or 2 sides of the wood to be treated, then you need to wait at least 20 minutes between coats, allowing the Bora-Care to absorb before applying the second coat.

Please view the full product label for more information. 

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Q
How long does Bora-Care take to dry on wood surfaces?

Hi, What's the normal drying time after applying Bora-Care before you can touch and paint any of the treated wood areas? Also, how many applications of Bora-Care should you apply to any bare wood surfaces in order for Bora-Care to sink deep into the wood you're treating so that it can protect from all future infestations and or any existing infestation that might be current? Thank you!

A
You should allow areas treated with Bora-Care to dry for 24-48 hours before touching or painting them. Most applicators apply two coats of Bora-Care for best results.

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115 of 122 people found this answer helpful

Q
Will Bora-Care be effective if I apply it to the unfinished back side of a 1" oak board?

I have 1" thick material where I have already finished the face and sides of the board with 2 coats of Waterlox, but the back side is completely unfinished. Will the Bora-Care still penetrate into most of the material except for where the finish oil may have already penetrated?

A

The Bora-Care will not penetrate the finished sides, you would need to treat the unfinished side with two coats of the product. You will probably need to wait about 20 minutes to an hour (depending on penetration speed) between coats. It will seep as far into the wood as it can, so just depending on how deep that finish you used on the other sides went, will determine how far the Bora-Care can penetrate.

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Q
I would like to apply Bora-Care to the wood piers on my house.

The piers are 8 inches thick and were treated when originally installed 40 years ago. How many coats will I need? Can the piers be stained afterward? The house sits up on piers that are 10 feet tall.

A
You do not need two coats of Bora-Care unless the piers are more than 10 inches thick.  You should mix at a ratio of 1 gallon of Bora-Care to 1 gallon of water.  You can paint, stain, or seal after the Bora-Care has had at least 24 hours to dry.

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1 of 2 people found this answer helpful

Q
Does the second coat of Boracare have to be applied within a certain time?

Does a 2nd coat of BoraCare have to be applied (painted or sprayed) before the first coat dries? I'm concerned the 2nd coat might not penetrate adequately if the 1st coat is totally dry because I wasn't able to do the 2nd coat for several days or longer.

A

Per Boracare's label you need to allow the first application to dry by waiting at least 20 minutes in between applications. For some applications, like when treating for Subterranean or Formosan termites, you may need to wait at least an hour between applications.

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9 of 17 people found this answer helpful

Q
Is there a way to pressurize the injection of boracare for large beams?
A

We arent sure we understand what you mean. Boracare is meant to be mixed with water and applied with either a hand pump sprayer that you create the pressure with yourself and spray on until wet but not dripping, or applied with a paint brush or roller. For large beams you would need to be applying it in one of those options and doing two coats to all sides if the beams are more than 5 inches thick in each direction. 

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2 of 2 people found this answer helpful

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

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

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