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Borate Treatment (Bora-Care) — Long-Lasting Wood Protection
Bora-Care is a borate-based termiticide that penetrates deep into wood fibers, providing long-lasting protection against drywood termites, subterranean termites, and wood-boring beetles. It is particularly well-suited for new construction, remodel work, and accessible structural framing where prevention is the goal.
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What Is Bora-Care Borate Treatment?
Bora-Care is a professional-grade borate wood treatment manufactured by Nisus Corporation. Its active ingredient — disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) — is a form of boron that penetrates into the wood's cell structure rather than sitting on the surface. Once in the wood, the boron remains effective for the life of the treated member.
When termites feed on or tunnel through treated wood, they ingest the boron, which disrupts their digestive enzymes and kills them. Bora-Care is effective against both drywood and subterranean termites that contact treated wood, as well as wood-boring beetles and some wood-decay fungi.
Because Bora-Care requires penetration into bare, unfinished wood to be fully effective, it is most commonly applied during new construction or major remodel work before drywall and finishes are installed. It can also be applied to accessible exposed framing in crawl spaces, attics, and other unfinished areas in existing homes.
When Borate Treatment Makes Sense
New Construction
Bora-Care applied to framing before drywall installation creates a whole-structure barrier that protects the building throughout its life. Adoption became more common after roughly 2000, though it was not universally applied.
Remodel and Addition Work
Major renovations that expose wall framing, floor joists, or roof framing are an ideal opportunity to apply borate treatment to the newly accessible wood before re-covering it.
Accessible Attic and Crawl Space Framing
Existing homes with exposed, unfinished framing in the attic or crawl space can receive Bora-Care treatment to protect those members from future termite activity.
How Bora-Care Treatment Is Applied
Inspect Accessible Wood
A licensed technician assesses all exposed framing and wood members to confirm suitability for borate treatment and identify any existing activity.
Apply Bora-Care to Bare Wood
Bora-Care solution is brushed, rolled, or sprayed onto the surface of exposed, unfinished wood. The solution penetrates into the wood fibers within hours.
Document and Certify
Treated areas are documented. No re-entry waiting period is required. A treatment record is provided for permit, warranty, or real estate disclosure purposes.
Bora-Care Treatment Cost
Bora-Care borate treatment typically costs $900–$1,900 depending on the square footage of the structure and the amount of accessible, exposed wood to be treated. New construction applications covering the full framing package will fall toward the upper end; targeted crawl space or attic treatments on existing homes are typically lower.
Inspections are free throughout our primary service area. We provide a written quote before any work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bora-Care and how does it work?
Bora-Care is a borate-based wood treatment that penetrates deep into wood fibers. It kills termites, wood-boring beetles, and fungi that contact treated wood — and it remains in the wood for the life of the structure. When termites feed on treated wood, the boron disrupts their digestive systems, eliminating them.
Is borate treatment safe for people and pets?
Yes — borates are low-toxicity to mammals at normal exposure levels. Bora-Care has a favorable safety profile compared to conventional pesticides. The product bonds into the wood and is not present in the air after application.
Does borate treatment work on finished or painted wood?
Bora-Care penetrates unfinished wood most effectively. Painted, sealed, or stained surfaces significantly reduce penetration. Borate treatment is most effective on exposed, bare wood — which is why it is ideal for new construction framing and remodel work where wood is accessible before finishing.
How much does borate treatment cost?
Bora-Care borate treatment typically costs $900–$1,900 depending on the square footage and amount of accessible wood to be treated. A free inspection is included before any quote.
How long does borate treatment last?
Borate treatment is considered permanent for the life of the treated wood — the boron does not evaporate or break down chemically. However, it can leach out if exposed to persistent moisture. Treated wood should not be in direct ground contact or exposed to continuous wetting.
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Whether you're building new, completing a remodel, or protecting accessible framing in an existing home — our licensed technicians serve all of Southern California.