Preventive Treatments

Tim-bor® is an EPA registered termiticide, fungicide and insecticide made by U.S. Borax. Tim-bor is a unique product for the protection and remedial treatment of wood against all wood destroying organisms. Tim-bor can also be used for general pest control.

How does Tim-bor® work?

Tim-bor® can be applied as a solution, foam or dust for wood treatment against wood-destroying organisms, and as a solution or dust for general insect control. Tim-bor, applied as a solution or foam to wood, will penetrate into the wood to various depths dependent upon the moisture in the wood and the wood species. The active ingredient does not break down, therefore as normal moisture changes occur in the wood, Tim-bor is always available to be drawn deeper into the wood over time, providing long-lasting protection.
 
The mode of action for Tim-bor® is that of a slow-acting stomach poison to insects and a contact poison to decay fungi.

As Wood-destroying insects or their larvae feed on, tunnel in and/or digest wood, they accumulate the active ingredient into their systems. General insects such as cockroaches, ants, crickets, etc. will ingest Tim-bor through their normal preening habits after contacting deposits. The accumulation of the boron into their systems acts to poison the insect.
 
Since Tim-bor® is slow-acting, TERMITES that have fed on treated wood can accumulate the active ingredient and still move among other individuals in the colony. The transfer of food from workers to nymphs, soldiers and reproductives will also transfer the ingested Tim-bor®. Affected individuals also exhibit behavioral changes, becoming sluggish, stop feeding and become moribund. Others in the colony will avoid these individuals as well as areas where these individuals have died. The Tim-bor® treated wood is not the first choice for feeding; therefore foraging termites avoid Tim-bor® treated wood. In addition, the Tim-bor® powder used as a dust in wall voids and injected into galleries is toxic to termites.

DECAY FUNGI can infect and rapidly destroy wood where there are moisture problems. Some fungi can actively transport moisture from the ground or a leak to wood of lower moisture content in efforts to expand the colonization of the wood. Tim-bor® is highly toxic to decay fungi and will kill the fungi present and/or protect against future infections.
 
Problems that may have led to the infestation or that may do so in the future must be corrected. This includes correcting moisture leaks, providing adequate ventilation and moisture barriers and removal of debris from crawl spaces. After the initial treatment, inspections should be performed on a regular basis and additional preventative spray treatments of Tim-bor (up to 4) can be made. Each additional treatment will increase the borate loading and penetration into the wood, further protecting it from insect and fungus attack.

Remedial and preventative treatments

Basement or crawlspace

Spray Tim-bor® solution on all bare wood accessible in the flooring and subfloor. This application will control an infestation even when certain parts of a gallery are not directly sprayed. In addition, steps must be taken to correct moisture problems (leaks, etc.) that may have led to and sustained the infestation.

Attics

Spray Tim-bor® solutions to all accessible wood: rafters, trusses, top-plates, ceiling joists, plywood, particleboard, OSB etc. Accessible areas with known infestations should be drilled and injected depending on the type of infestation. This has been a very effective technique in spot treating for control of drywood termites.

Exterior wood

Tim-bor® can be applied to bare siding, trim or logs. Applications can be made by spray or pressure injection techniques. Painted or sealed wood can be treated by pressure injection with a Tim-bor® solution, or the sealing coat can be removed prior to application. Following treatment, the exterior wood should be sealed to protect Tim-bor® from diffusing out. Wood should be completely dry (at least 48 hours) before a sealing coat (paint, varnish or waterproofing seal) can be applied. When properly applied, Tim-bor® will not interfere with application of a Deck treatment.

Tim-bor® can be used to treat wood decks

Prepare the deck by removing any dirt, debris or sealant that will interfere with the application and absorption of Tim-bor. After the deck has dried (dry to the touch, no standing puddles), 2 applications of 10% or 1 application of 15% Tim-bor® can then be applied to the wood. Protect any surrounding plants and ornamentals from accidental contact with the solution. Following treatment, the deck should be sealed with a water-repellent preservative product to protect the Tim-bor® from diffusing out. Wood should be allowed to dry before a sealing coat can be applied

Tim-bor® is the solution for  Long-Term Protection

Tim-bor® is a small investment for your home and the key in preventing fungus and termite infestations with one or several applications.
 
Treat your home to Tim-bor®, and you'll be treating yourself to a longer-lasting cure for insect and decay problems.