In many previous posts I discuss the use of boric acid during the process of replacing chinking, repairing logs and have identified several other uses where borates should be used as well as methods of application.
Boric acid works well as a wood preservative — it kills mold, mildew as well insects and is very useful to have around any home – not just log homes.
I have received numerous emails and questions as to where to find boric acid or borate-based products.Several readers have emailed saying that they found boric acid at a local at a local store but only in small amounts and at astronomical prices.
Boric acid is actually not very expensive and a little goes a long way. If you needed some in a pinch for a small project you can probably find a borate-based product at your local grocer. Just go to the laundry detergent aisle and pick up a box of – you guessed it: 20 Mule Team Borax.
I have placed in the side bar a link to the best source for a borate based wood preservative for your larger projects. They carry borate-based (PeneTreat) in the perfect sized quantities for most applications at a very attractive price.
Please follow the above link and should you wish to call them, ask for Mike Carey. He is a wealth of information. Tell him that Bearfort Lodge says hello.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
I was delighted to find your site via a patient. We don’t have a log home but we do have a home constructed from an eclectic collection of salvaged 1870 heart pine doors; porch post salvaged from the Lottie Moon home where they foolishy torn off a back balcony rather than resotoring it; and flooring, v groove paneling milled and stored in a dry area for over 60 years. We used a commercial version of your “home brew” borax treatment that was very effective but costly. We have another large stack of wood that we want to use upstairs on the walls that would have cost a great deal to treat. Thanks to you I can start treating this summer. Almost finished with the house? Are you ever finished? No.
Linda –
Well I’m glad that you found the site as well. Wow sounds like a wonderful project — Feel free to send photos. I hope that you find other useful information here at the lodge.
Why are you pretending this stuff is hard to get? You can just buy a box or a bag of borax at any decent hardware store or garden center.
Holy cow! SEVENTY bucks for a bucket of borax solution? who in the world buys this stuff?
I don’t pretend this is hard to get. You can certainly use 20 Mule Team Borax — go for it. I have used it before myself.
Hello Monique — I am sorry for the inconvenience — Here at Bearfort Lodge — I have a major computer melt down and it has taken until Mid October to resolve. Almost all my files and information were frozen and unreachable– Im glad that you were able to find the materials that you were seeking. — I am in the final stages of recovering all of my files and will respond as quickly as possilbe
Boric acid can be bought at the dollar store. It is $2 for a pound bottle. It is roach powder.
Also, boric acid is the main ingrediant in borax soap.
You bet. Yes 20 Mule Team Borax.
Hi There, I sent emails to, and left phone messages for the company you suugested for Boric Acid. They did not return either. I am glad now, as the local farm feed store was able to order me in a 50 lb bag of boric acid for $49.95. That is a lot less than the website you have here, plus I didn;t have to pay shipping on top!!!
Hello Monique — Hmmm I’m not sure why your calls or emails would have gone unanswered. I’ll have to get in touch with Mike. Regarding your find at the feed store – Fantastic! There are all sorts of resources to find that which you seek. Great find.
Hello NewLogger — Im glad that you find the website helpful. Boric acid — or more appropriately a product such as the Penetreat which contains boric acid will help in the prevention on mold growth a well as insect infestation. A stain and seal of the exterior is recommended — I use a product called Weatherall – it is a water-based stain and seal in one.
thank you for your website it is very informative. We recently purchased a log hone, built 25 years ago and found some rotting logs, much to our dismay, that the inspectors didnt find. We are wondering if we can use boric acid as a compete all over the house protector. We plan on replacing the rotten logs, have it re-chinked and then use a protectant on the whole house. Can we do that with the boric acid or do we use a wood sealer and if so, what wood sealer do you recommend.? Thanks!
Log Cabin Adventures –
Thanks for visiting Bearfort Lodge – Yeah this stuff is killer for insects.
WOW – Ive been checking out your website – With your permission Id like to place a link to your site.
I am so glad I read this article because I have been trying to remember for some time what it was my parents used to kill ants when I was a child. It was boric acid! I kept thinking of borax but somehow felt that was wrong (though I love it for cleaning!). Now maybe we can take care of a persistent ant problem we have experienced both here and at our cabin. Thanks!
Hello Chauncey – Thanks for visiting Bearfort Lodge. YES PeneTreat is borate-based. Just follow the link.
PeneTreat can be used mixed with water (follow the directions) as well as using it in dry form. As you may have read on many of my previous posts, I use it dry to dust areas before chinking.
This is excellent stuff — it is a dry powder that comes in a 3 1/2 gallon bucket and a 5 gallon bucket.
Hello. THANK YOU for the great info.
I’m confused about one thing. Is the link to PeneTreat the source mentioned for boric acid?
Chauncey