Boric Acid mechanism of action diagram

How boric acid works β€” illustrated mechanism of action Β· PestControlBasics.com

πŸ”’ Licensed Only Active: disodium octaborate tetrahydrate

Boracare β€” Borate Wood Treatment

Boracare is a borate wood treatment used for termite prevention, wood-boring beetles, and fungal decay. How it differs from Tim-bor and when each is appropriate.

βš–οΈ Educational use only. PestControlBasics.com is not a licensed PCO. The label is the law under FIFRA. Always read your complete product label before mixing or applying. Full disclaimer β†’ | βš—οΈ Mixing Calculator β†’

🏷️ Brand Names β€” Same Active Ingredient

⚠️ Don't buy duplicates. All products below contain disodium octaborate tetrahydrate as the active ingredient. Buying two different brands is buying the same pesticide twice β€” they differ only in price, concentration, and formulation type.
Boracare
Nisus Corporation Β· Liquid borate concentrate Β· 40% disodium octaborate tetrahydrate
Professional
Tim-bor Professional
Nisus Corporation Β· Soluble powder Β· 98% disodium octaborate tetrahydrate
Professional
Bora-Care vs Tim-bor difference
Same company, same active ingredient Β· Key difference: Boracare uses glycol carrier for deeper penetration into dry wood; Tim-bor is water-soluble for treated wood surfaces Β· Different delivery systems
Both professional

🎯 Target Pests

βœ“Subterranean Termites (preventive)βœ“Drywood Termitesβœ“Wood-boring Beetles (Powderpost, Anobiid, Old House)βœ“Wood Decay Fungiβœ“Carpenter Ants (in wood)

πŸ”¬ How It Works

Boracare works by penetrating wood and depositing borate salts throughout the wood matrix. When insects feed on treated wood, they ingest the borate, which disrupts their gut enzymes and causes death through starvation.

Why Boracare over Tim-bor: Boracare uses a glycol penetrant that carries the borate deep into dry wood β€” essential for treating existing dry wood in walls, crawl spaces, and framing. Tim-bor is applied to surfaces and requires the wood to be wet to penetrate well. For new construction or pre-treat applications, Tim-bor is sufficient and more economical. For remedial treatment of existing dry wood, Boracare's deep penetration is essential.

βš—οΈ Mixing & Application Rates

Boracare is diluted with warm water before application. Tim-bor is dissolved in water.

Boracare β€” wood treatment (termites/beetles)
1:1 with warm water (1 part Boracare : 1 part water)
Mix with warm water β€” cold water reduces penetration. Apply to bare, unfinished wood surfaces generously until wet. Two applications 4 hours apart provides complete penetration. Penetrates into dry lumber. Licensed application in most states.
Tim-bor β€” surface spray (construction pre-treat)
1.5 lbs per gallon water
Dissolve Tim-bor completely in warm water. Apply to framing members, joists, and subfloors during construction before insulation is installed. Less effective on finished/painted wood. More economical than Boracare for large pre-treat areas.
Example
0.5 oz
per gallon
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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

  • Low mammalian toxicity β€” borates have a wide safety margin for humans and pets
  • Do not apply to painted, sealed, or finished wood β€” penetration is blocked
  • Professional license required for most structural applications
  • Avoid breathing fine dust of dry Tim-bor β€” use dust mask
  • Do not apply near aquatic environments β€” toxic to aquatic organisms at high concentrations

πŸ“„ SDS / Label Resources

Boracare and Tim-bor SDS available from Nisus Corporation directly at nisuscorp.com. Both products are extensively documented with EPA labels available on CDMS.

πŸ“„ CDMS Label Database πŸ›οΈ EPA Label Search

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is boracare safe for pets?
Follow the product label. Keep pets out of treated areas until completely dried (2–4 hours for sprays). Once dry, treated surfaces pose minimal risk to dogs and cats.
Q: Can I use boracare indoors?
Check the specific product label β€” formulations vary. Baits and dusts often have indoor labeling; concentrates and granulars are typically outdoor.
Q: How long does boracare last after application?
Residual varies by formulation, surface type, weather, and UV exposure. Indoor applications last longer than outdoor. Check the product label for re-application intervals.
Q: What should I do if exposed?
Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin with soap and water. For eye contact, rinse 15–20 minutes. For ingestion or severe symptoms, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). Have the product label available.

πŸ“‹ Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

πŸ“‹

Boracare β€” Safety Data Sheet

View the official SDS document for this product directly on the CDMS label database.

Boracare Safety Data Sheet page 1
πŸ“„ Boracare β€” Safety Data Sheet Β· View the complete SDS document above or download below
βš–οΈ Educational use only. PestControlBasics.com is not a licensed PCO. The label is the law under FIFRA. Always read your complete product label before mixing or applying. Full disclaimer β†’ | βš—οΈ Mixing Calculator β†’
πŸ“š Sources: EPA Pesticide Labels Β· NPIC Pesticide Info
Published: Jan 1, 2025 Β· Updated: Apr 7, 2026
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Reviewed by Derek GiordanoContent reviewed by a licensed pest management professional and cross-referenced against EPA, university extension, and manufacturer technical data. Last reviewed: April 2026.