Boracare is not labeled for roaches. It would be best to use products that are specifically labeled for them, such as the ones that are found in our roach control kits.
Wood treated with BoraCare is able to be painted, stained or sealed within 30-45 days after the application. The color of the wood after staining should not be affected as BoraCare will absorb clear into the wood. Please review the product label for more information.
Sawdust from Boracare treated wood would be no more toxic that untreated wood, though you should avoid breathing in either. You should cut the wood to the final size before treating with Boracare. You do not want to waste the product on wood that will not be used and as Boracare can take up to 30 days to completely penetrate.
Boracare is only able to penetrate into raw, untreated, unstained or painted wood therefore it would not penetrate into plywood with varnish on it. You will need to sand down to the raw wood or pull up the flooring to expose the unvarnished underside and treat that.
Wood just needs to be dry before applying Bora-Care. There is no specifics on the time of day it should be applied. As long as you are not expecting rain in the next 48 hours. It can take up to 48 hours for it to dry after application. It should dry clear when mixed as directed and would not affect stain once dry.
Bora-Care can only be used on cut lumber/wood not any actual plant/tree. We would recommend to use Dominion 2L which can be applied directly where they are infesting in the stump and around/on the stump for carpenter ants. Be sure to treat around your home as well to prevent. Check out our Termite Guide for all the up to date tips on Termite prevention and control. We also have one for Carpenter ants here.
It would be recommended to complete any sanding/planing before applying Boracare.
Both of the treatments mentioned in previous Q&A's for Boracare are correct as they are for 2 different application methods. If you are drilling directly into the stud you would follow the instructions of drilling every 6 inches and inject. If you want to foam into a wall void instead then you would follow the drill at the top and bottom on each side of the stud instructions.
Boracare must be applied to raw wood in order for the product to be effective and for it to be absorbed by the wood, so the trunk would have to be sanded if it's painted/stained. If Boracare is only applied to one small area, it would only go up a couple of inches or so. You can use Jecta instead to inject it into the wood, it is a ready to use form of Boracare, but holes must be drilled in order to inject the product into the wood. If these options are not something you want to do because it is an antique, you can speak to an antique dealer for recommendation or have the trunk fumigated by professionals.
Are you trying to treat an active infestation of something or prevention?
The raw, natural wood can be treated and dried completely prior to the application of Bora-Care or Timbor without disrupting the absorption.
Bora-Care can ony be applied to raw wood for wood destroying insects. Are you treating for Emerald Ash Borers? Is so, we recommend using Ferti-lome Tree & Shrub Insect Drench.
Bora-Care is definitely the very best product to treat for powder post beetles. If the wood is stained, it will need to be sanded and stripped down to it’s original raw state. The idea is to ensure the Bora Care penetrates all the way through to the center of the wood so it lasts the life time of the wood. Powder post beetles can remain dormant inside wood for sometimes up to 30 years. So it’s very important to treat the wood with a product that will fully penetrate the wood and last the life time of the wood.
Bora-Care may crystallize on some surfaces or stain drywall.
Boracare should only be used on raw and untreated wood.
The mixture will be the same no matter what kind of wood you are treating. For an active infestation of any wood destroying insect you will mix Bora-Care at the rate of 1:1. If there is no current activity of insects, you will use the preventative rate of 5:1. You will need to mix the Boracare with hot water in a separate container first and mix well prior to putting it in a sprayer. Apply to all sides of the timbers.
Bora-Care is designed to penetrate the wood so you do not need to seal the beam after application.
No, Bora-Care cannot be used on wood with bark still on it. The bark needs to be stripped from the wood because it will not allow Bora-Care to be absorbed into the wood.
Boracare is the best treatment option for any type of wood destroying insect including powder post beetles. However, no matter how new or old the wood is, Boracare can only be used on wood in its raw natural state. If the wood has any type of stain or finish on it, you would need to sand it off, then apply Boracare and re-finish it.
We have consulted with the Boracare manufacrurer and think that some probably went in. With oak it’s best to do a 5:1 or the result is what will occur as described. The manufacturer recommends that you just wipe off the excess.
