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Bora-Care Treatment
Protect Wood Before and After Infestation
Bora-Care, a borate-glycol formulation, penetrates into wood to create a long-lasting barrier against termites, wood-boring beetles, and decay fungi. Ideal for new construction, remodels, and as a preventive measure.
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Key Facts
Penetrates deep into wood fibers for lasting protection
Kills termites when they attempt to eat treated wood
Also prevents wood decay fungi and wood-boring beetles
Ideal for new construction and remodels
Low toxicity to humans and pets
How Bora-Care Works
Assessment
Determine which wood members will benefit from Bora-Care treatment.
Surface Preparation
Wood surfaces must be bare (no paint or sealant) for proper absorption.
Application
Bora-Care is applied to all exposed wood surfaces using spray or brush methods.
Absorption
Allow 24–48 hours for penetration before painting or sealing.
Documentation
Treatment areas are documented for warranty purposes.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Long-lasting protection (years to decades in protected wood)
- Works against multiple pests simultaneously
- Low toxicity to people and pets
- Excellent for new construction
- Does not harm the environment
Limitations
- Must be applied to bare, unfinished wood
- Not effective against existing infestations in sealed wood
- Washes out of wood exposed to water
- Requires professional application for best results
Best For
- New construction and remodeling
- Sub-floor and attic framing protection
- Preventive treatment after fumigation
- Wood-boring beetle problems
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a free inspection and our licensed inspector will confirm whether Bora-Care is the right solution for your infestation.
Not sure about costs? See 2026 termite treatment pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bora-Care and how does it work?
Bora-Care is a borate-glycol compound that penetrates into bare wood fibers and remains permanently active against termites, wood-boring beetles, and decay fungi. When termites attempt to eat treated wood, they ingest the borate and die. Unlike a surface spray, the protection is built into the wood itself — not just on the surface.
Is Bora-Care a preventive treatment, or can it eliminate an active infestation?
Bora-Care is primarily a preventive treatment. It must be applied to bare, unfinished wood — it can't penetrate painted or sealed surfaces to reach an active colony behind finished walls. For an existing infestation in finished wood, the right sequence is to treat the infestation first (spot treatment or fumigation), repair damaged wood, then apply Bora-Care to any newly exposed framing before repainting. That's also why it's so commonly used after fumigation and during remodels.
Can Bora-Care be applied to wood that's already painted or sealed?
No — wood surfaces must be bare and unfinished for Bora-Care to absorb properly. Paint, stain, or sealant blocks penetration, which is why Bora-Care is most commonly applied during new construction or remodeling before finishes go on, or to exposed sub-floor and attic framing where wood stays bare. Attempting to apply it over finished surfaces won't provide meaningful protection.
How long does Bora-Care protection last?
When applied correctly to wood that stays protected from moisture, Bora-Care lasts for the life of the wood — potentially decades. The limitation is water: Bora-Care will leach out of wood that's repeatedly exposed to rain or ground moisture, so it's not appropriate for exterior or ground-contact applications without additional moisture protection. For attic framing, sub-floor joists, and interior structural members that stay dry, longevity is excellent.
Is Bora-Care safe for pets and children?
Yes — borate compounds have low mammalian toxicity, similar in category to borax household products. Once absorbed into the wood, there's no accessible surface residue. The 24–48 hour absorption period before painting or sealing is required so the borate can penetrate fully, not because of any safety concern during that window. Bora-Care is one of the reasons we recommend it for sub-floor framing and attics in homes with young children or pets — effective protection with a minimal toxicity profile.
Other Treatment Options
Tent Fumigation
The Gold Standard for Whole-Structure Termite Elimination
Orange Oil
Effective, Natural, No Tent Required
Heat Treatment
Kill Termites with Temperature — No Chemicals
Spot Treatment
Precise, Targeted Termite Elimination
Liquid Barrier
Stop Subterranean Termites at the Source