Tim-bor Professional

4.5 out of 5 stars 112 Reviews | 123 Q&A

Tim-bor Professional
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$18.98

Buy 4 or more: $16.49 each

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Average Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars Rating: 4.7

112 Reviews | 123 Q&A

Product Overview

Tim-bor Professional should only be applied for eradicating fungus off of wood and for protecting new wood from future infestation.  If treating any wood with an existing infestation, you should always use Bora-Care. Bora-Care will penetrate through an entire piece of wood much deeper and ensure proper control, and it will protect the wood you are treating forever.

Tim-bor Professional is an insecticide, fungicide and wood preservative for the protection and treatment of lumber against fungal decay and wood destroying insects. Tim-bor is a water soluble, inorganic borate salt with insecticidal and fungicidal properties. It is an effective treatment for wood to kill and prevent infestations of decay fungi including white rot, brown rot (i.e. Poria) and wet rots. Tim-bor does not treat mold or prevent mold from growing.

Features and Specs

Active Ingredient Boron sodium oxide (B8Na2O13), tetrahydrate (12280-03-4) 98%
Target pests Wood Destroying Organisms: Termites, Beetles, Carpenter Ants
For use in Interior and Exterior as an Insecticide, Fungicide, or Wood Preservative - Use on Untreated Wood

25# Tim-bor includes a Scoop for easy measuring
Application Can be used as a Foam, Liquid, or Dust

If there is a present Powder-post Beetle infestation, BoraCare is the preferred product, especially for furniture, because it absorbs further into the wood to take care of the infestation
Tim-bor only absorbs 1/4 of an inch
Yield 1.5 pounds of Tim-bor will treat up to 200 sq. ft of untreated wood
Use as a Dust against several insects
NOT FOR SALE TO CT, NY (Restricted To Licensed Applicators Only)
Parts Included 25 lb buckets come with a half pound measuring scoop
Shipping Weight 1.67 lbs
Manufacturer Nisus (Mfg. Number: PRO-TIMBOR8X1)
UPC 616609111537
EPA Registration 64405-8

Details

Timbor can be used as a Dust, Liquid, or Foam. It is water soluble, economical, odorless and can be used in conjnction with fumigation for residual protection. It is formulated with a concern for the environment.

Timbor is only absorbed 1/4 inch into the wood and leaves a white powdery coating. If you are treating thick wood or want it to look like its original state, then purchase the BoraCare product.

What is Timbor?

Timbor is a wood preservative that works as an insecticide and fungicide.

What is the active ingredient in Timbor?

The active ingredient in Timbor is disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, a natural borate compound.

What is a borate compound?

Borate compounds are derived from mineral deposits that contain the element Boron. These compounds are use in the production of many products including ceramics, glass and medicines and also work extremely well as insecticides and fungicides.

Why is Timbor considered an insecticide and fungicide?

Insects are exposed to the active ingredient by eating treated wood or by ingestion while grooming. Borates are a contact toxicant to fungi. The borates prevent metabolism of food by insects and fungi causing death.

How is Timbor applied?

Timbor is applied to the surface of bare wood as a liquid. It can also be applied as a dust into void attic and wall void areas for labeled insect control.

How does Timbor work as a wood preservative?

When Timbor is applied as a liquid to the surface of bare wood, it diffuses into the wood to make the wood itself toxic to wood destroying organisms such as wood decay fungus or drywood termites.

Is Timbor concentrate a liquid?

Timbor comes in a powder form that is used as a powder or mixed with water to form a liquid solution. To create a 10% solution mix one pound of Timbor to one gallon of water. This solution must be applied twice to a bare wood surface. To create a 15% solution, mix 1.5 pounds of Timbor to one gallon of water. This solution can be applied only once to the wood surface.

Is Timbor labeled to treat wood decay fungus?

Timbor is labeled for the control and prevention of wood decay fungi including white rot, brown rot, poria and wet rots.

Is Timbor labeled for the control of carpenter ants?

Timbor is labeled for the control and prevention of carpenter ants by applying Timbor dust into active ant galleries and into areas where ants may enter the structure.

What wood destroying organisms is Timbor labeled to control?

Timbor is labeled for the control and prevention of drywood termites, wood destroying beetles, wood decay fungi, carpenter ants and termites.

Can Timbor be foamed?

Timbor can be foamed using equipment designed for foaming applications. Foaming requires a 15% solution in conjunction with a foaming agent. A dry foam is recommended for best results.

Does Timbor affect ornamental plants?

Yes, over spray on plants or spills near the plant roots can kill or retard plant growth.

Review Search   
Sort Reviews
  • 5 of 5 Stars

    Timbor DIY vs Commercial

    By Jeff on 05/28/2011

    A national chain quoted me $2,900 to spray the trusses of my new home under construction. I paid about $65 for the Timbor and spent about 4 hours spraying. Absolutely worth it!

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    73 of 77 people found this review helpful

  • 5 of 5 Stars

    Timbor

    By Russ on 03/14/2011

    Easy to use, included measuring cup, just added to water in a separate 5 gallon pail and agitated with a drill and paint mixer, pour into pump up sprayer and saturated walls of older garage. I sprayed twice waiting about 30 minutes between application, for good penetration, had it been spring or summer I might have made several wet on wet applications as the wood was old and dry. I purchased the 25 pound pail and have several more structures to treat. My (former thanks to DMOPC) pest control person said that Timbor was a great low cost addition to a complete termite treatment. I also note that Timbor is especially good at repelling carpenter ants, and fungus which I believe is the cause of dry rot. Thanks DMOPC

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    62 of 63 people found this review helpful

  • 5 of 5 Stars

    Good Stuf

    By Tim on 10/18/2010

    The price at DoMyOwnPestControl was better than I could find elsewhere and their support was great. This stuff (borate minerals) has been around a million years and is known to make wood toxic most insects including drywood termites, carpenter ants, ants and wood destroying fungi. It works by dehydrating them. It doesn't kill subterrainian termites, but those are easier to find by inspection (mud tubes). It is as advertised and, applied properly will work. I had drywood termites and ants crawling all over the structure before treating the outside with this stuff and now they are all dead, gone and discouraged. I've covered up the outside wood (siding, shingles, etc.) and so long as the cover remains intact, this stuff will continue to do its job.

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    50 of 56 people found this review helpful

  • 4 of 5 Stars

    Small quantities not available

    By Laura on 04/23/2010

    Verified Purchase

    Product was easily mixed. Would have preferred directions for mixing smaller quantities on package. Might use BoraCare next time for effectiveness but small quantities of that were not available and it was costly.

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    40 of 49 people found this review helpful

  • 5 of 5 Stars

    Timbor

    By Cathy on 06/15/2010

    Verified Purchase

    The Timbor powder was easy to mix and use & DoMyOwnPestControl made it simple to order.

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    28 of 29 people found this review helpful

See all 112 customer reviews

Questions & Answers

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Q
Is it safe to just dust off the residue from a Timbor treatment?

I brushed a solution of Timbor and water on an unfinished oak table. It left a fine dusty sheen, almost like old varnish not completely removed. I will then stain.

A

Timbor will only penetrate 1/4 of an inch into the wood and will leave a visible white residue on the surface. You may simply dust it off before applying the stain. If you are wanting a product that does not leave a white residue and absorbs completely through the wood, we recommend BoraCare. BoraCare will penetrate all the way into the wood and will not leave a visible residue on the surface.

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3 of 4 people found this answer helpful

Q
Is the remaining "powder" harmful?

I recently had timber applied to my attic. The access was through a pantry. Is the white "powder" residue left behind harmful?

A
Timbor is not harmful to pets or wildlife.  In fact, this product and other wood treatment products like it are made from Borate, a natural occuring element in the earth. It should not be harmful to you or your family either through skin contact - though we would recommend refraining from touching your eyes or injesting it if you have gotten some on your hands or skin. Simply wash it off with soap and water.

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44 of 46 people found this answer helpful

Q
Can I use Timbor on concrete by drilling/injecting method around the perimeter of a masonry building?
A

No, Timbor is only used directly on wood.

It is recommended that you use something like Termidor SC or Taurus SC to inject into the ground.  This product will last for up to 10 years in the soil once applied. Please check out our Termite Guide for tips on how to treat and prevent termites in the future.

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Q
Can Tim-bor Professional be used to kill carpenter ants in my house walls using a puffer duster?
A

Per the product label, you can inject or dust Timbor at a rate of 0.5 oz per square foot when treating wall voids for insects such as carpenter ants. If you are mixing Timbor in water and creating a foam with a foaming solution and foamer, then you would use 1.5 oz of Timbor per gallon of water and use a high expansion foam. Keep in mind that drilling into and injecting a product like Timbor into all your wall voids is a tedious and labor-intensive application that is often best left to professionals. We have a great Carpenter Ant Treatment Guide here that may better assist you.
 

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Q
Will spraying bleach on top of Timbor on floor joists for mold negate Timbor's effect on mold?

Spraying where mold returned or was missed

A

Timbor does not treat or prevent for mold control. Spraying bleach on top of your application will likely pull or break down some of the particles which likely needs to be done so that you can put a true mold control product like Boracare with Mold Care on your wood to treat it. Also keep in mind, even with the use of proper mold control products to treat wood, if you have mold coming back that is because you have not fixed your moisture problem that is causing it to occur in the first place. You likely want to look at getting a dehumidifier for under your home and in your crawl space or put down a vapor barrier in those areas to cut down on excess moisture accumulating. 

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4 of 4 people found this answer helpful

Q
Should BoraCare or Timbor be used to treat a new porch made of pressure treated wood for Powderpost Beetles in one of the beams? The beams are not stained or varnished and about 2 years old.
A

If the new wood for your porch was pressure treated/pre treated wood, then you would not need to apply either product. Powder Post Beetles will emerge whenever it is time for them to progress from the egg stage in the wood, to larvae and then a beetle. The eggs can lay dormant in the wood for up to 30 years and there isn't a way to know how many there are or where they are in the wood. Even if you treated the porch with Boracare (the more appropriate product for your needs), you would still see some of the beetles emerge whenever that life cycle happens. The Boracare helps make sure that any that emerge die as they ingest the treated wood, and no new beetles are able to infest the wood going forward. Boracare would be the more appropriate product than Timbor, since Timbor can only penetrate 1/4 inch into the wood and will leave a white powdery substance on the surface of the wood, and Boracare will penetrate all the way through the wood and dry clear. 

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Q
Timbor was recommended to us to treat wood that is exposed to rain and has rotted.

We were told it is a water repellent that causes water to crystalize. We plan to trim the wood beam back, and prime and paint also. If Timbor does not do this, is there a Boron mineral solution that would? what is your recommendation

A
Timbor should only be used on raw wood that ideally is new. Timbor is not water repellant and it will not take care of any rot or mold on the wood. Timbor will only penetrate 1/4 of an inch into the wood and will leave a visible white residue on the surface. Boracare or Boracare with Mold Care would be your best options. As with Timbor, the Boracare will need to be applied to raw natural wood but it can be old or new. The Boracare will penetrate all the way into the wood and will not leave a visible residue on the surface. If the wood is going to continue to be exposed to the outdoor elements, you will need to seal it with a stain or finish of some sort to protect it. If you do this, the Boracare will last for the life of the wood. Boracare will treat and prevent (depending on the rate you use to dilute it) for wood destroying insects such as powderpost beetles, termites, and carpenter ants, as well as wood destroying fungus/rot. The Boracare with Mold Care will cover all of these same preventative measures and it also kills and prevents mold. Please take a look at the Boracare product label for exact instructions for use. You can also reference our article on How To Treat For Dry/Wood Rot.

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4 of 4 people found this answer helpful

Q
How many bags of Tim-Bor Professional do I need if I am treating wall voids for carpenter ants in a 1400 square foot home?
A

How much Timbor is used will depend on your application and the area of the spaces you are treating. Per the product label, you can inject or dust Timbor at a rate of 0.5 oz per square foot when treating wall voids for insects such as carpenter ants. If you are mixing Timbor in water and creating a foam with a foaming solution and foamer, then you would use 1.5 oz of Timbor per gallon of water and use a high expansion foam. Keep in mind that drilling into and injecting a product like Timbor into all your wall voids is a tedious and labor-intensive application that is often best left to professionals. We have a great Carpenter Ant Treatment Guide here that may better assist you.

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Q
What precautions would be required to use Timbor or Bora Care on wood for furniture building?

I use a sawmill to cut walnut and oak for furniture building. I have an active powder post beetle problem. I believe the Asian Ambrosia Beetle is the culprit. I would like to use Bora Care on the known active lumber and Timbor as a preventative on newly sawn wood. My concern is safety during milling and working with the wood later on. What precautions would be required to use wood treated with either or both of these products for typical furniture building. Unlike many uses of lumber where handling of the wood is minimal, wood used in building furniture gets a lot of hands on contact. Thanks, Mike Waters

A

The Boracare would be the more appropriate product of the two for both active infestations and prevention of beetles and other pests. Timbor will leave a white powdery film on the surface of the wood and will only penetrate a 1/4 inch into the surface. Boracare, if mixed thoroughly before applying and not over applied, will dry completely clear and penetrate all the way to the center of the wood. Once an application of either of the products is dry, it would be safe to handle the wood bare handed or use tools to work the lumber into furniture. If you wanted to check with Nisus the manufacturer regarding any safety inhalation precautions if you use the Timbor powder and cut it after treating, you can reach them directly at 800-264-0870.

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Q
Recommended termite treatment(s)?

I have an 80 year old wood frame house set on piers over bare earth. I have had problems with drywood termites between the finish floor, subfloor and around the window frames. I have had the house tented twice. I would like to treat the house myself to get rid of any current activity and prevent against future activity. What products would you recommend? I have Timbor that I bought from you years ago, but I am wondering if I should plan on a more aggressive attack with another product?

A
Timbor is a great product, but it does not penetrate or last as long as another product made by the same company called Bora-CareBora-Care is the best wood treatment product available because it penetrates all the way through a piece of wood where Timbor will only penetrate the outer coating.  If you have older wood then you should always use Bora-Care. Bora-Care will also stay in the wood forever, preventing any new infestations for years to come.

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107 of 110 people found this answer helpful

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Tim-bor Professional 4.5 out of 5 stars Rating: 4.7 (112 Reviews / 123 Q&A)

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