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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.
Product Documents
| 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 |
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.
Bora-Care kills and prevents a wide range of wood-destroying insects and fungi, including:
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.
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%
Bora-Care is labeled for use in:
It is widely used for both new construction termite pretreatments and existing structure wood preservation treatments.
Bora-Care can be applied to most unfinished cellulosic building materials, including:
Bora-Care can also be applied to concrete, block, brick, and other non-cellulosic surfaces to help prevent termite shelter tube formation.
Yes, Bora-Care can be used on exterior wood structures including:
For outdoor use:
The correct Bora-Care dilution ratio depends on the type of treatment being performed.
Bora-Care must always be mixed with hot water for proper dilution.
The Bora-Care mixing ratio depends on whether you are treating an active infestation or applying it as a preventative wood treatment.
Always follow the Bora-Care label instructions for the specific pest and wood application.
For best results, Bora-Care should be mixed in a separate bucket using hot water before adding the solution to spray equipment. Mixing tips:
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.
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:
Do not mix Bora-Care directly inside your sprayer tank, as incomplete dilution may clog the equipment.
Coverage rates vary depending on the wood’s size and thickness, and the product’s dilution ratio. Typical coverage includes:
Thinner wood surfaces such as siding may provide greater coverage.
Bora-Care can be applied using:
The product cannot be applied using fogging equipment. Bora-Care is typically applied until the wood surface is thoroughly saturated.
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:
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.
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.
Yes. Once Bora-Care has fully dried, treated wood can be:
Most applications dry within approximately 24 hours, depending on temperature, humidity, and wood type.
Bora-Care typically dries within 24 to 48 hours after application.
Drying time can vary based on:
Allow the treated wood to dry completely before touching, painting, staining, or sealing the surface.
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:
Always apply Bora-Care to raw, untreated wood whenever possible for best absorption.
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.
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.
Bora-Care offers several advantages over traditional soil-applied termite treatments:
Bora-Care is also EPA-registered as a primary perimeter termite pretreatment for new construction.
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 response:
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537 of 588 people found this review helpful
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!
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372 of 385 people found this review helpful
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.
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287 of 296 people found this review helpful
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.
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154 of 170 people found this review helpful
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
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12 of 13 people found this answer helpful
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10 of 11 people found this answer helpful
Last spring a young pecan tree die because of them.
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164 of 175 people found this answer helpful
They both seem to control the same pests. Container size appears the same. Is Bora-Care more highly concentrated therefore dilutes to cover more? I am confused. Can these be applied by a novice? What protection must one take?
Bora-Care and Timbor are both borate products used to treat wood, but they could not be more different. Timbor is in a powder form that is mixed with water. It is much less expensive but it is intended more for protecting new wood only, or wood that you know does not have any issues. Timbor will only penetrate the outer layer of the wood so it is more for protection or for treating fungus on the surface of the wood.
If you have an active infestation of termites, powder-post beetles or wood borers deep inside the wood then Timbor would not make it through the wood to kill these insects. BoraCare is a liquid borate but has an additive, a glycol solution, which allows the product to penetrate through the entire piece of wood, therefore it should be used any time you have an active infestation because you are guaranteed it will kill anything in the wood no matter how deep it is. Also, BoraCare will last forever in the wood so you will never have to worry about any infestations in the wood that you treat ever again.
Just to recap if you have an existing infestation, you should use Bora-Care. If you are just treating wood to be used in new construction or surface fungus, then Timbor is fine to use. Both products are very safe, virtually odorless and do not require respirators unless you are in a enclosed space with no ventilation. You should always wear gloves and protect your eyes anytime you apply pesticides or herbicides. All you need to apply either product is a one or two gallon hand pump sprayer. Timbor is used at 1.5 lbs of Timbor to each gallon of water. Bora-Care is mixed 1:1, one gallon of Bora-Care to one gallon of water which will make two finished gallons. Both products should be mixed in a 5 gallon bucket and then poured in your sprayer to use. We sell these products to homeowners every day and they are very successful treating their issues and you can have great success too. Remember that we are always here to help. Good Luck!
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936 of 966 people found this answer helpful
We have a 40-year-old home with redwood plywood siding. The siding has worn & we are about to cover it with a new layer. Redwood isn't available; we'll use 11/32 " Breckenridge siding plywood, over builder's paper. Trim is heart redwood & will be replaced as needed. We plan to use a transparent stain, to "even out" old & new wood color. We've had many drywood termite attacks; entry has been through beam ends & trim. Professional Tim-bor treatment has controlled them. Should we spray the new plywood with Timbor or Boracare? Before or after staining?
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7 of 7 people found this answer helpful
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116 of 132 people found this answer helpful
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44 of 46 people found this answer helpful
I have a 9 year old Douglas Fir log home near Albany, NY and started noticing small flying insects boring many small round holes on all sides of the house. The logs have only been stained and not UV or water repellent treated yet so I'm hoping Boracare can be spayed now to soak in past the stain and then once dried I'll apply a special log wood sealant...
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2 of 2 people found this answer helpful
We have been cutting down our dead trees infested with fungus and termites. we were told we need to throw them all out but I wanted to keep them to make steps and foot paths around our property. can i treat them with any of your product and do we have to strip the bark off the trunks?
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1 of 2 people found this answer helpful
We're finding tiny pellets next to our wall. In researching, it looks like termite droppings. We'll wipe it off but it reappears after a few days. I'm looking to apply the Boracare on the inside wall. If we apply it inside, will we have to leave the house?
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6 of 8 people found this answer helpful
Bora-Care
Rating: 4.6 (404 Reviews / 788 Q&A)
