Disodium octaborate tetrahydrate
Encyclopedia
Disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, an alkaline salt, is produced in two forms. One is a clear, liquid concentrate, which can be mistaken for corn syrup if repackaged and not properly labeled or it is packaged as a white, odorless, powdered chemical substance
Chemical substance
In chemistry, a chemical substance is a form of matter that has constant chemical composition and characteristic properties. It cannot be separated into components by physical separation methods, i.e. without breaking chemical bonds. They can be solids, liquids or gases.Chemical substances are...

 that is not flammable, combustible, or explosive and has low acute oral and dermal toxicity. This salt, which is commonly confused with Boric Acid, is used as an insecticide
Insecticide
An insecticide is a pesticide used against insects. They include ovicides and larvicides used against the eggs and larvae of insects respectively. Insecticides are used in agriculture, medicine, industry and the household. The use of insecticides is believed to be one of the major factors behind...


and fungicide
Fungicide
Fungicides are chemical compounds or biological organisms used to kill or inhibit fungi or fungal spores. Fungi can cause serious damage in agriculture, resulting in critical losses of yield, quality and profit. Fungicides are used both in agriculture and to fight fungal infections in animals...

, and is commonly sold as an insecticide in liquid or powder form. It is also effective against fungi and algae. It has an infinite shelf life and is not affected by temperature. "Bor-Ram" is the liquid form suitable for use in a sprayer. The powdered brands are "Tim-Bor," "Borathor" or "Termite Prufe" as sold in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

. This chemical is also a flame-retardant. In the liquid form, it is commonly diluted and sprayed on wood surfaces to kill termites, carpenter ants, fungi and algae. This alkaline salt is not to be confused with Boric Acid (an acidic chemical) or the laundry detergent additive used for stains. The do-it-yourself pest control product may be purchased from a licensed pest control person either online or locally.

In common use as a termite control, the liquid is used at a ratio of 1:1 as a remedial termite treatment. The advantages to this chemical over conventional pest control treatment is that it is non-carcinogenic and non-toxic to humans and pets. It is also odorless and proper application lasts for the lifetime of the wood. Repeat treatment is not necessary. It is best used during new construction, however, it is more commonly used after the fact on homes originally treated with chemicals that have become inactive.

It was shown to significantly reduce dust mite populations in the home when combined with regular vacuuming.

See also

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