Universal Forest Products

What Are Borates?

Borates are naturally occurring mineral salts that are essential to growing plants and nutritionally important to a healthy human diet. While borates are harmless to humans, they are toxic to insects.

Borates have been used to control insects—including the destructive Formosan termite, standard termites, carpenter ants, and roaches—in homes for years. Borates interfere with insects’ metabolic systems and effectively kill them. They also protect against rot and fungi. In some applications, borates even act as a fire retardant.

Borate products have been used safely for more than 100 years. In fact, borates can be found throughout your own home in a vast array of common products and materials. They are safe for pets and the environment, and they require no special handling or disposal.

We eat borates everyday. Borates do not build up in our bodies; our bodies handle borates just like any other nutrient, whether they’re ingested or inhaled.

What Is Boron?
Borates are made from boron, one of 116 elements that make up the planet. More than 200 minerals contain boron. Boron is naturally present in all soil, as well as in water, plants (including plant-derived foods), and animals.

Boron is not only safe; it’s good for you. The World Health Organization has agreed that boron is nutritionally important for optimal human health. If you eat a healthy diet, you probably consume about 3-5 milligrams of boron a day.