Boracare
Wood Preservative for
Borers, Beetles, Termites, Fungi
Boracare application How to order Bora-Care
BORA-CARE is an innovative wood preservative and pesticide, not just a surface treatment. The patented borate formulation is designed to completely penetrate all wood, regardless of moisture content. A BORA-CARE treatment offers far greater protection than those products which give only surface protection.
BORA-CARE is odorless, does not affect painting, staining or gluing and does not change the appearance of the wood. Most importantly, BORA-CARE treated wood is not toxic to humans and animals.
A BORA-CARE treatment will eliminate and protect wood from infestations of:
- Decay fungi
- Subterranean termites
- Formosan termites
- Drywood termites
- Carpenter ants
- Wood boring beetles
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
When wood is exposed to sunlight and precipitation, its surface begins to change. This physical and chemical change is referred to as weathering. The first noticeable difference is a lightening in color caused by ultraviolet (UV) light and the loss of natural oils from the wood's surface. As the wood continues to age, the color may darken, indicating the presence of decay fungi in the wood. Bare wood naturally absorbs rain water causing the wood to swell. When it dries, the wood shrinks and microscopic cracks develop. Over time, these cracks grow larger and larger, trapping water and debris which allows wood rotting organisms to penetrate deep into the wood. These organisms help retain water which makes drying even more difficult and further increases insect and fungal activity. Soon, in addition to decay fungi, plants such as mosses and lichens begin to grow. As organic matter accumulates on the wood, it takes longer for the wood to dry between rains, and wood degradation increases. This is why the elimination of decay fungi and other plant material is necessary to extend the life of wooden siding and roofs.
A BORA-CARE treatment will not only kill the insects and decay organisms living on a roof and walls, but will also restore its natural appearance. Although BORA-CARE has no odor, the decomposition of dead organic matter may occasionally result in a "rotten" smell a few days after treatment.
DURATION OF TREATMENT
Depending on climatic conditions (annual rain, snow, etc.), a BORA-CARE treatment will last for one (1) to three (3) years. A finish, such as paint or stain can be applied over the treated wood. If a paint or stain is to be used, it is important to allow the BORA-CARE treated wood to completely dry (at least two days) before applying the protective topcoat.
MIXING INSTRUCTIONS
BORA-CARE is supplied as a concentrate which must be diluted with water before application. Add either one (1) or two (2) parts water to every one (1) part BORA-CARE concentrate and stir until the solution is completely uniform (see following section in order to determine the appropriate dilution ratio). The use of warm or hot water and an impeller type stirrer inserted into an electric drill will substantially aid the mixing process.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
ROOF PREPARATION
Remove any loose debris which may have accumulated on the roof surface such as leaves, pine needles and branches. Heavy accumulations of moss and lichens may be removed by wet sweeping with a stiff broom followed by washing with a garden hose. Cut off and remove any tree branches that may be touching the roof surface.
Before application, block down-spouts and cover grass, plants and soil located close to the structure with plastic to prevent over-spray contact. BORA-CAREľ will kill or stunt grass, plants and shrubs.
Debris which has accumulated in roofing gutters will help absorb any BORA-CARE solution which may run-off during treatment. This debris must be collected and disposed of after treatment (NOTE: DO NOT USE DEBRIS AS MULCH OR PLANT BEDDING).
BORA-CARE APPLICATION. Do not apply in windy conditions or when rain or snow is imminent. Diluted BORA-CARE should be applied to dry, bare wood using a low pressure (15 to 30 psi) compressed air sprayer. If a high volume spray system is used, follow manufacturers directions. Use a fan spray tip and apply solution evenly to all areas of the roof or wall using a sweeping motion.
Begin application at the highest point on the structure. If there are multiple roof sections, always start with the highest section. Stand slightly below the area to be treated and apply BORA-CARE solution to contact all shake or shingle surfaces, paying particular attention to the butt (thick) ends. Apply in a two (2) to four (4) foot wide band extending across the entire length of the roof section. Repeat procedure on the next lower section until the entire roof is treated.
For light infestations or preventative treatments, use a 2:1 BORA-CARE dilution ratio applied at a rate of one (1) gallon per 250 square feet of wood surface area.
Heavily infested roofs with significant accumulations of decay fungi, moss, lichens, etc. are best controlled by using two separate applications. Apply a 2:1 solution of BORA-CARE at a rate of one (1) gallon per 250 square feet for initial kill of the infestation. After the existing growth is dead (2 to 3 weeks) the roof should be cleaned of debris and treated a second time with a 2:1 BORA-CARE solution at a rate of one (1) gallon per 250 square feet of surface area.
NOTE: If treatment is for the control of carpenter ants or subterranean termites, the initial application must be performed using a 1:1 BORA-CARE dilution ratio at an application rate of at least one (1) gallon per 500 square feet.
ROOF SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
ROOFING AREAS FRESHLY TREATED WITH BORA-CARE WILL BE SLIPPERY!
Always use foot-wear that will provide good traction and grip the roof surface (avoid leather-soled shoes).
Use a ladder that meets all safety requirements. Be sure to set it on stable ground.
Your ladder should extend at least 3 feet above the roof line. Tie it off at the top.
Use a bucket and rope to transport tools and equipment to the roof - do not carry them up the ladder.
Whenever possible, walk across the roof surface, rather than up and down.
ALWAYS USE SAFETY LINES AND BELTS WHEN ON A ROOF.
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN PERTAINS ONLY TO BORA-CARE AND DOES NOT APPLY TO OTHER BORATE CONTAINING PESTICIDES.
Refer to the BORA-CARE label for complete product information.
BORA-CARE ADVANTAGES
- CONTROLS BOTH WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS AND DECAY FUNGI
- NO COLOR, ODOR OR SURFACE RESIDUE
- EASY AND CONVENIENT TO USE
- SUPERIOR WOOD PENETRATION
- LONG TERM RESIDUAL ACTIVITY
- LOW TOXICITY TO HUMANS AND PETS
- COST EFFECTIVE