Can surface treatments with borates completely saturate the wood and kill all termites inside?

Borate treatments are effective in controlling termites due to their toxicity to these pests when ingested. However, surface treatments generally do not penetrate deeply enough to reach all the termites within the wood. As a result, it is possible for some termites to survive, especially if they are located deeper within the wood where the borate solution has not adequately saturated.

The effectiveness of borate is also influenced by the application method and the wood's moisture content and density. While these treatments can significantly reduce termite presence and prevent future infestations, they cannot guarantee complete extermination of all termites inside the wood. This makes it essential for property owners to consider additional pest management strategies alongside borate treatments if a thorough eradication is the goal.