Last Updated: March 2026 | Reviewed by The PCC Research Team
One of the most frustrating realities of termite control is that structural fumigation (tenting) leaves absolutely zero residual protection behind. Once the tarps are removed, a new swarm of termites can land on your roof and re-infest your home the very next day.
To prevent this, California exterminators and general contractors rely on Bora-Care, a highly specialized, liquid borate wood treatment. Unlike contact killers like Orange Oil, Bora-Care permanently alters the chemical composition of the wood, turning your home’s framing into a toxic food source for both termites and wood-destroying fungi.
The “Cliff Notes”: Quick Facts
- The Golden Rule: It can only be applied to raw, unpainted, unstained wood. If you spray it on paint, it will simply run off and be completely useless.
- Permanent Protection: Because borate is a mineral salt, it never breaks down or evaporates. As long as the wood stays dry, the protection lasts for the life of the wood.
- The Starvation Mechanism: Termites can eat the treated wood, but the borates destroy their gut bacteria, meaning they starve to death while trying to digest the meal.
- Dual Action: Bora-Care is highly effective at killing both termites and Dry Rot (wood-decay fungi).
The Science: How Borates Kill
The active ingredient in Bora-Care is a specially formulated borate salt. Unlike traditional pesticides that kill bugs upon contact via nerve toxins, Bora-Care works through ingestion and biology.
Bora-Care is mixed with warm water and sprayed onto raw structural framing (like the studs in your attic or crawlspace). The patented glycol penetrants pull the borate salts deep into the cellular structure of the wood. When a termite takes a bite of the treated wood, the salt enters its digestive tract.
Termites rely on specific protozoa and bacteria in their gut to break down wood cellulose into usable nutrients. The borate salt destroys these microorganisms. The termite continues to eat, but it can no longer extract any nutritional value from the wood. It literally starves to death with a full stomach.
A very common DIY mistake is buying an expensive jug of Bora-Care ($100+) and spraying it onto painted baseboards, stained deck boards, or sealed patio covers. Bora-Care will not penetrate paint, stain, wax, or water sealants. It will simply sit on the surface in a sticky, crystallized mess. It must be applied directly to bare, raw lumber to work.
The 3 Best Times to Use Bora-Care
Because it requires access to raw framing, you cannot effectively treat a fully finished house without ripping open the drywall. Therefore, Bora-Care is best used in these three specific scenarios:
- During Section 1 Wood Repairs: If a contractor is replacing a termite-damaged patio beam or an infested wall stud, they should spray the brand new replacement lumber with Bora-Care before they install it. This ensures the new wood doesn’t become the termites’ next meal.
- New Construction / Remodels: If you are building a home or opening up a wall for a bathroom remodel, spray the exposed studs before the new drywall goes up. This creates a permanent, hidden shield.
- Attics and Crawlspaces: These areas feature exposed, unpainted structural trusses and floor joists. An exterminator can crawl into these spaces and coat the entire raw framing system, preventing swarming termites from establishing new colonies in your roof.
Bora-Care vs. Orange Oil
Both products are applied directly to the wood, but their chemical behaviors are exact opposites. Homeowners often confuse them when deciding on a “no-tent” treatment.
| Feature | Bora-Care (Borate Salts) | Orange Oil (d-Limonene) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Long-term prevention. Turns the wood into a toxic food source. | Short-term eradication. Melts the bugs it physically touches. |
| Residual Life | Permanent. Never breaks down as long as the wood stays dry. | None. Evaporates within a few days, leaving the wood vulnerable again. |
| Application Method | Sprayed generously onto the surface of raw, exposed wood. | Injected through small drilled holes directly into the hidden termite galleries. |
Protect Your Structural Equity
If you recently tented your home, do not leave your attic unprotected. Hire a licensed professional to apply a permanent Bora-Care shield to your raw framing to prevent the next swarm from moving in.
Call For Local Borate Treatment: (866) 204-1751Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Bora-Care toxic to humans or pets?
A: Bora-Care has an extremely low toxicity level for mammals. Its active ingredient is similar to the borax you might use in your laundry. Because humans and dogs don’t eat wood, the risk of ingestion is virtually zero once the product has dried into the framing.
Q: Can I paint over the wood after applying Bora-Care?
A: Yes! You must apply the Bora-Care to raw wood first. Wait 48 to 72 hours for the solution to completely dry and absorb into the cellulose. Once it is fully dry, you can safely apply primer, paint, or stain directly over it.
Q: Does Bora-Care kill wood fungus and dry rot?
A: Yes. Bora-Care is registered as both a termiticide and a fungicide. It is highly effective at stopping the spread of active wood-decay fungi (dry rot), which is critical for passing a California Section 1 Escrow clearance.