How does Termicoat® (borate termite treatment) (TTMS) work?

Termicoat® is manufactured by Endura Coatings, a Victorian based manufacturer. The principal ingredient in Termicoat® is a non-metallic mineral salt called borate, which naturally occurs in the environment.  Borates are mined for various uses, including glass manufacturing and as an additive to agricultural fertilisers.  

In 1956 CSIRO conducted research on the successful use of naturally-occurring borates and their ability to kill termites. These mineral salts have been both laboratory and field tested as an effective termiticide. The Boron chemicals permeate and bond to the building elements which forms a long-term chemical barrier acting as a slow acting stomach poison. Boron readily diffuses into moist termite soil tubes where many individuals contact the boron and are discouraged from building more tubes or feeding, (Williams 1997).

Termicoat® consists of the mineral salt boron, plus benzalkonium chloride and proprietary liquid  glycol mix (which are found in many consumer products, such as deodorants, hand sanitiser, cosmetics and hydraulic fluids).  These materials form a unique solution upon application that 'locks' onto both timber and mortar/concrete substrates, without leaching.

Termite control using the Termicoat® TTMS is about adopting an integrated pest management strategy (IPM).  IPM embraces environmental protection in a proactive and preventative manner, whilst reducing risks to human health. Termicoat® borate termite treatment reduces the need for toxic pesticides that may enter clean water supplies where toxic pesticides are applied to soil on a regular basis (eg every 3-4 years). The non-biodegradable nature of the Termicoat® TMS means future re-treatments of Termicoat® under normal environmental conditions are not required for the life of the structure. 

Termicoat® is an APVMA, (# 89414/124752) approved chemical as required by the NCC Vol 2 2019, 3.1.4.3(d) and AS3660.1:2014, 1.4.1.3

Useful Link - https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/household-building-and-renovation/treated-timber/timber-treatments/boron-based-treated-timber