For the past 25 years the most accepted and effective method for preventing infestations of wood destroying insects and decay fungi in log homes has been by impregnating the wood with a solution containing the element boron. Boron salts are referred to as borates and the most commonly used borate utilized for this purpose is disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT), the active ingredient found in Armor-Guard, Shell-Guard and Shell-Guard RTU. The reason for using this material instead of borax or boric acid is because it has a much higher boron content per pound and is significantly more water soluble than other boron containing compounds. But what is it about boron that makes it so effective for preserving and protecting wood? In the case of wood consuming insects like termites and wood boring beetles, boron disrupts their digestion process by killing the bacteria that allows the insects to digest cellulose. There is also some evidence that boron interferes with the insects’ metabolic systems. These modes of actions do take some time and it is not unusual for insect activity to continue for several months after being exposed to a borate treatment. However once eliminated, the wood will be protected from future wood consuming insect infestations as long as the boron remains within the wood’s cellular structure.

Shell Guard	Shell Guard Ready To Use
Mold-Ram	Armor Guard