BoraCare borate treatment penetrates deep into wood fibers to create permanent, built-in protection against termites, wood-boring beetles, and decay fungi. It's the most cost-effective long-term protection for Southern California homes.
What Are Borate Treatments?
Borate treatments use naturally occurring mineral compounds — typically disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (sold as BoraCare or Tim-bor) — that penetrate into wood fibers and kill termites, wood-boring beetles, and decay fungi when they attempt to consume the treated wood.
Unlike fumigation (which leaves no residual protection) or orange oil (which only treats active galleries), borate treatment provides long-lasting, built-in protection that works for the life of the wood as long as it remains protected from repeated water exposure.
See borate treatment photos in our photo gallery.
How Borates Kill Termites
When termites or beetles consume wood treated with BoraCare, the borate compound is ingested and disrupts their gut microbiome — specifically the protozoa that help termites digest cellulose. Without these microorganisms, termites cannot process the wood they eat and die from starvation and toxic accumulation.
This mechanism is:
- Effective on all wood-consuming insects — drywood termites, subterranean termites, powderpost beetles, old house borers
- Non-repellent — termites don't detect or avoid the treatment
- Long-lasting — borates remain in wood fibers indefinitely in protected locations
BoraCare's Penetration Advantage
Standard borates (like Tim-bor) remain primarily on wood surfaces. BoraCare uses a glycol co-solvent carrier that drives the borate compound deep into wood fibers — achieving penetration depths that surface-only products cannot reach. This makes BoraCare effective for both existing infestations and long-term prevention.
When to Use Borate Treatment
New Construction (Ideal Use Case)
Borate treatment is most effective when applied to bare, unfinished framing lumber before drywall is installed. This is the single best opportunity to protect your home:
- All framing is accessible
- No drilling required
- Coverage is complete and thorough
- Protection is built into the structure permanently
Remodels and Renovations
When walls are opened for renovation, it's an ideal time to treat exposed framing before re-closing. One coat of BoraCare on accessible studs, plates, and joists provides decades of protection.
Post-Fumigation Protection
Fumigation eliminates all current termites but provides no residual prevention. Applying BoraCare to accessible wood (attic framing, crawl space joists, garage framing) immediately after fumigation creates a protective barrier against future infestations.
Crawl Spaces and Attics
These are the most common areas where termites and beetles establish infestations. BoraCare applied to crawl space joists and attic framing provides lasting protection in the highest-risk areas.
The Borate Application Process
1. Assessment — Identify all wood surfaces that will benefit from treatment
2. Surface verification — Wood must be bare (no paint, sealant, or stain) for proper absorption
3. Application — BoraCare is applied by spray or brush to all target surfaces at label rates
4. Absorption — Allow 24–48 hours before painting or sealing treated surfaces
5. Documentation — All treated areas are documented with photos for warranty purposes
Advantages of Borate Treatment
- Decades of protection in protected applications (not exposed to repeated water)
- Triple protection: termites, wood-boring beetles, and decay fungi
- Low toxicity to humans, pets, and the environment
- No evacuation required — occupants can remain in the home
- Best value for prevention — far less expensive than treating an established infestation
- EPA registered — proven safety and efficacy profile
Limitations
- Requires bare wood — does not penetrate paint or sealant
- Not for active whole-structure infestations — use fumigation for widespread problems
- Can leach out of wood exposed to water — not suitable for exterior unprotected applications
- Not a stand-alone treatment for active, established infestations in sealed areas
Borate Treatment for New Construction in Southern California
If you're building a new home in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Inland Empire, or Riverside County, we strongly recommend pre-treating all framing with BoraCare before drywall installation. This single investment protects your structure for the life of the building.
Contact us to schedule a pre-drywall borate treatment consultation. CA License #PR7791.