I just wanted to spread some info on something that has been around for a while but seems to be getting more popular. That is Borax treatment for homes under construction or remodel.
Borax has a wide variety of uses. It is a component of many detergents, cosmetics, and enamel glazes. It is also used to make buffer solutions in biochemistry, as a fire retardant, as an anti-fungal compound for fiberglass, as an insecticide, as a flux in metallurgy, a texturing agent in cooking, and as a precursor for other boron compounds.
Pest control is the primary use in construction and in homes. One boron compound is used to treat wood, prevent fungal decay, repel carpenter ants, roaches and termites. Boric acid is included on the national list of allowed substances for structural pest control in organic food production (as long as there is no direct contact with food or crops). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that pesticide products containing boric acid and it's salts are of low toxicity. (However, ingesting it or applying large amounts to the skin can cause acute poisoning, so parents should be vigilant about where they store and use products containing Borax.)
We use Borax as a pre-treatment to the wood prior to the installation of insulation and gyspem board in a new home construction project. This kills bugs within the hollow spaces within the walls of your home and acts as a barrier. I have included some photos of an application for a residence we are currently building in Alys Beach, Florida.
Also, I have recorded some video footage for you to show how the treatment is done. Go to www.youtube.com/envisionbuilders
I hope this was educational for you and if you have any questions I am only an email or phone call away.
~ Ron
Ron Guernsey is a Licensed Contractor and owner of Envision Builders Group. You can contact him at ron@envisionbuildersgroup.com
P.O. Box 613325 Watersound, Florida 32461 (850) 855-5746 www.envisionbuildersgroup.com
