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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
After treating with Bora Care can I use a wood hardener?

I removed dry rot and loose wood on a garaged door and will treat with Bora Care. After the BC has cured, can I treat the wood with Elmer's 16-oz. Rotted Wood Stabilizer? The area will then be filled in with bondo and painted.

A
Since Borates from Boracare will be evenly distributed throughout the wood, applying wood hardener to the areas that were effected by rot will not have any adverse effects.

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19 of 20 people found this answer helpful

Q
How long should I wait to apply wood hardeners after treating with Bora-Care?
A

You should apply Boracare to raw wood. You can then apply any stain, sealant, or paint after the Boracare application has dried, usually 24-48 hours.  

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1 of 1 people found this answer helpful

Q
The Boracare has gelled in the jug and will not pour easily; how do I re-liquify it?
A
The consistency of Boracare is very thick. We do recommend that you mix it in a bucket first with very hot water before putting it into a sprayer. If you have any additional questions, please let us know.

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0 of 3 people found this answer helpful

Q
What product should I use to treat a redwood railing with aluminum balusters that have dry rot and wet rot

I am repairing a redwood railing with aluminum balusters that has dry rot and wet rot. I plan on removing the rot and filling the removed areas with Abatron wood epoxy after applying a wood hardener . Before filling the removed areas, I would like to treat the remaining wood. Would you recommend using bora-care, bora-care with mold care or another product?

A
Bora-Care or Bora-Care with Mold-Care will work. I recommend Bora-Care with Mold-Care because it prevents mold as well in the same treatment. I hope this helps!

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Q
How do I know if Bora-Care penetrated properly if it is still sticky after more than 24 hours?

I have an ash dining table that has powder post beetles in one on the breadboards. Since it was already finished I sanded off the stain and poly from the underside of the whole table and applied Bora-Care (1:1) with a brush. It didn't seem to dry properly in my cool basement and stayed sticky. I read somewhere else about wiping off any residue which I did and applied a second coat (about 3:1). The same thing happened. I'm still seeing signs of activity and a couple live beetles but I guess this is normal?? I'm wanting to make sure the product penetrated the wood and didn't just sit on the surface.

A

We would recommend giving the Bora-Care at least 24 to 48 hours to dry completely. Factors that could prevent the Boracare from drying complete within that time frame include applying to finished or treated wood, failing to mix the product completely before application, mixing too much Boracare concentrate for the amount of water (less than 1:1 dilution), or extreme weather conditions such as a very cold or humid environment. If the wood is very old and the moisture content is very low, that would also prevent the Boracare from absorbing as quickly or easily. If you applied the Boracare to raw wood surfaces, then it should eventually dry. It is common to continue to see some beetle activity after Boracare application since the Boracare cannot completely prevent dormant beetles from emerging. If you still have concerns about the texture after several days, you can also give Nisus (the manufacturer) a call for assistance at 800-264-0870.

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6 of 6 people found this answer helpful

Items 1 - 5 (of 5 Total)

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

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