Boric acid or Borax is another excellent way to eliminate termites.
A study found boric acid can eliminate termites on wood between 70% and 89% after ten days.
Keep in mind that for boric acid to be effective, it needs to seep into the wood evenly.
To make sure the wood absorbs the acid well, apply several layers to all sides of the wood.
Borate is also effective in a powder form.
In this study, powdered boric acid was shown to have a 100% mortality rate on termites after 15 days.
Powder boric acid is highly effective because it instills horizontal transfers.
Once the dust covers the termites, they return to the colony and infect the rest of the population.
When using boric acid powder, I recommend you use a dusting bulb.
A dust bulb will allow you to get into small and deep holes.
Using 3-4 pumps should be enough to fill an entire gallery of termites.
To treat termites with boric acid, dissolve 10 oz. of Borax with warm water.
Mix and transfer the mixture to a spray bottle.
Then, spray the infested areas with the solution.
Repeat the application for seven days to allow the boric acid to penetrate the wood thoroughly.
Another common borate product used to kill termites is Bora-Care.
Using a pressure sprayer you can apply Bora-Care on untreated wood.
The borate solution will soak into the wood, and any termite that eats the wood will die.
Once absorbed, Boracare will stay on the wood for its lifetime as long as it is sealed and coated.
To apply Bora-care to painted or sealed wood, you will need to drill into the wood and inject it.
For the best results, drill holes every 6 to 8 inches and inject for 2-5 seconds in each hole.