Boracare must be applied to raw wood in order for the product to be effective and for it to be absorbed by the wood, so the trunk would have to be sanded if it's painted/stained. If Boracare is only applied to one small area, it would only go up a couple of inches or so. You can use Jecta instead to inject it into the wood, it is a ready to use form of Boracare, but holes must be drilled in order to inject the product into the wood. If these options are not something you want to do because it is an antique, you can speak to an antique dealer for recommendation or have the trunk fumigated by professionals.
Are you trying to treat an active infestation of something or prevention?
The raw, natural wood can be treated and dried completely prior to the application of Bora-Care or Timbor without disrupting the absorption.
Bora-Care can ony be applied to raw wood for wood destroying insects. Are you treating for Emerald Ash Borers? Is so, we recommend using Ferti-lome Tree & Shrub Insect Drench.
Bora-Care is definitely the very best product to treat for powder post beetles. If the wood is stained, it will need to be sanded and stripped down to it’s original raw state. The idea is to ensure the Bora Care penetrates all the way through to the center of the wood so it lasts the life time of the wood. Powder post beetles can remain dormant inside wood for sometimes up to 30 years. So it’s very important to treat the wood with a product that will fully penetrate the wood and last the life time of the wood.
Yes, once the Bora-Care application is dry you, can use a stain or water repellent on the area.
Bora-Care may crystallize on some surfaces or stain drywall.
Boracare should only be used on raw and untreated wood.
The mixture will be the same no matter what kind of wood you are treating. For an active infestation of any wood destroying insect you will mix Bora-Care at the rate of 1:1. If there is no current activity of insects, you will use the preventative rate of 5:1. You will need to mix the Boracare with hot water in a separate container first and mix well prior to putting it in a sprayer. Apply to all sides of the timbers.
Bora-Care is designed to penetrate the wood so you do not need to seal the beam after application.
No, Bora-Care cannot be used on wood with bark still on it. The bark needs to be stripped from the wood because it will not allow Bora-Care to be absorbed into the wood.
Boracare is the best treatment option for any type of wood destroying insect including powder post beetles. However, no matter how new or old the wood is, Boracare can only be used on wood in its raw natural state. If the wood has any type of stain or finish on it, you would need to sand it off, then apply Boracare and re-finish it.
We have consulted with the Boracare manufacrurer and think that some probably went in. With oak it’s best to do a 5:1 or the result is what will occur as described. The manufacturer recommends that you just wipe off the excess.
You need to be very careful about using any kind of termiticide around a body of water that contains fish or other aquatic life since most termiticides could harm the fish. Boracare can be used on the raw wood, then once the Boracare is dry, you would want to use a water sealant to protect the treatment. Be sure that you apply the Boracare away from the water so there is no runoff, overspray, etc. into the water.
BoraCare will kill any plants or trees that come into contact with it. Be careful treating around any desirable vegetation.
Boracare can be used to treat any raw, untreated wood for wood-infesting pests. After application it will be absorbed into the wood and remain active for the life of the wood. It is safe for indoor use if used as directed on the product label. It cannot be mixed with any other insecticides.
Bora-Care would be the best product to apply to the raw wood. It will penetrate at least 4 inches into the wood and last the lifetime of the wood. Dilute at a 1:1 ratio.
You can tap wood along the walls, baseboards and windowsills every few inches with a screwdriver handle. Damaged wood will sound hollow and, if the area is extremely damaged, the handle may break the wood's surface. If the area is active, you may see worker termites inside. Bora-Care will take up to 30 days or more to penetrate all the way through the wood and eliminate a drywood termite colony in the wood.
When applying Bora-Care to structural wood in the home, you only need to apply the product once. It will last for the life of the wood. If you are applying to exterior wood like a deck, porch, or fence which is exposed to rainfall, then you would either need to use a water sealant after the Boracare is dry, or you would re-apply Boracare after about 3-5 years.
