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Bora Care

What is BORA-CARE? 
      BORA-CARE is an EPA Registered, low toxicity pesticide designed by the Nisus Corporation in Rockford, TN, to penetrate and protect all types of wood, including plywood and composites, from infestations of wood boring insects such as termites, beetles, carpenter ants and decay fungi. BORA CARE is an odorless, colorless treatment which can be applied to your wood. 

      The following information on Bora Care was provided by the Nisus Corporation in their pamphlet "Bora Care: Total Wood Protection, A Lifelong Investement."  Call for pricing of Bora Care here at Florida Cypress Wood Products, Inc.  You can get more information on Bora Care at Nisus' website.  

How does BORA-CARE protect the wood? 
      One of the main components of BORA-CARE is boron, a Fairly common element which happens to be toxic to many insects, decay fungi and some forms of bacteria. Although the effectiveness of BORA-CARE against insects such as termites and wood boring beetles is well documented, the actual mechanism of toxicity is not completely understood. The most widely accepted theory is that it kills the beneficial microbes that live in the insects' gut.  These microbes help the insect to digest food and without them the insect essentially starves to death. 

      When applied, BORA-CARE will eliminate existing infestations and provide long lasting protection against future infestations. Those insects which attack the treated wood also ingest the BORA-CARE which kills them. Many insects, such as carpenter ants, find BORA-CARE treated wood repellent. Unlike termites, carpenter ants do not actually eat wood but use it as nesting sites. They exude chemicals which soften the wood for easier removal.  While releasing and absorbing these chemicals, these ants ingest the BORA-CARE in the wood which then destroys their gut rnicrobes. They, too, die from starvation. 

Why is it necessary to treat  wood with BORA-Care? 
      Wood is an organic material used as food by many insects, bacteria and fungi. Since these organisms also require water, damp or wet wood is especially susceptible to attack. Water is the enemy of wood! Cracks, checks and knot holes are all points of entry for insects and water. Once water enters wood, decay may progress quite rapidly.   BORA-CARE is water soluble and will automatically move into those areas high in moisture content where decay and insect infestations can start.  BORA-CARE kills the insects and decay fungi and prevents the wood from rotting.  BORA-CARE has two distinct functions.  First, it controls infestations of wood boring insects. Second, it prevents decay in those areas which may get wet. 

How is BORA-CARE applied? 
      You can use a variety of techniques to apply BORA-CARE to your wood. Spraying, brushing, injection and the use of fogging devices are all approved methods of application. Since BORA-CARE has no odor or toxic fumes, it may not even be necessary to leave your home or office during application. 

Will BORA-CARE immediately kill all insects present in the wood 
at the time of treatment? 
      The time it takes to eliminate existing insect infestations is dependant on many factors such as wood thickness, moisture content and insect species. For example, the older stages of some beetle species eat very little wood. Although BORA-CARE is highly toxic to beetle larva, a few older larva may be able to complete their life cycle and emerge after treatment. This will not occur often enough to structurally damage any wood. BORA-CARE will prevent re-infestatons and protect wood from decay if water does get into old insect holes.  

Is BORA-CARE treated wood safe? 
      Yes, wood treated with BORA-CARE is non-toxic to people and animals.  Some wood species, however, contain naturally occurring toxins which may be harmful if ingested. 

Does BORA-CARE change the appearance of the wood?  
      Wood freshly treated with BORA-CARE will appear slightly darker than untreated wood. After a day or so, the treated wood will resume its original color.    The BORA-CARE treatment will not affect painting, staining or gluing of the wood. 

What effect will BORA-CARE have on fasteners? 
      BORA-CARE's active ingredient is a corrosion inhibitor. Therefore, fasteners made of steel and other ferrous metals should last longer in BORA-CARE treated wood than in untreated wood. BORA-CARE solutions may tarnish unpainted aluminum. 

What do you have to do after your wood is treated? 
      Because BORA-CARE is water soluble, freshly treated wood should be protected from rain or snow. For long term protection exterior surfaces can be coated with a water resistant paint or stain. It is not necessary to seal interior surfaces except in situations involving repeated moisture contact (shower stalls, bath houses, etc.). 

How is BORA-CARE different than other pesticides? 
      Most other pesticides act either by poisoning the soil or by contacting the insect. This means that contamination of nearby water sources can occur or that toxic surface residues may be present. BORA-CARE is applied directly to the wood, thereby eliminating potential soil or water contamination. BORA-CARE penetrates throughout the wood and leaves no toxic surface residue. BORA-CARE works by depositing an active ingredient in the wood which will not decompose or vaporize like many other pesticides. This means that it will keep providing broad spectrum protection with little impact on our environment. Your pest control operator can apply BORA-CARE to interior and exterior wood surfaces with safety and confidence. 

How does BORA-CARE get into the wood? 
      When first applied, the BORA-CARE solution coats the surface of the wood. Within minutes the active ingredient penetrates the surface and enters the wood. BORA-CARE then begins to diffuse or move throughout the entire piece. How quickly diffusion occurs depends on wood species, moisture content and environmental conditions. 

Why was BORA-CARE developed? 
      Many of the traditionally used wood preservatives and pesticides such as creosote and chlordane are highly toxic and no longer available for general use. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Mississippi State University have been developing the use of borates as safer alternatives to these chemicals for the past ten years. Their work is based on a long history of borate use in countries such as Australia and New Zealand. 

      It was evident that environmental concerns presented an opportunity for the introduction of a new, Iow toxicity, borate based product. It had to penetrate and protect all types of wood and be safe to use. Nisus Corporation's research resulted in BORA-CARE, a genuine innovation in pesticide and wood preservation technology. Its safety and effectiveness make it a truly unique product. 

DILUTION RATIOS BY VOLUME 
 

 Recomended Minimum Application Rates 
 
 

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