Is borax and boric acid the same?

Borax & Boric Acid

Earlier answer: Borax contains boric acid.

My answer: That may be true, but they are not the same thing. Borax is a white powder used as a cleaning and in some places, a preserving agent. Boric acid is a white powder used as an insecticide, especially for cockroaches, and is about as toxic as regular table salt to people.

I have heard that a ratio of 1:3 (not sure which is one and which is 3) acts as a wood preservative in wood framing to protect against termites and dry rot. I would suggest to try to use litmus paper, to see if 1 boric acid and 3 borax, would be more neutral (less acidic). Whatever the proper recipe, it is mixed with water and sprayed on dry wood, being pretty nontoxic to humans. An author in an article in the magazine Journal of Light Construction, mentioned it under the name Boraid, if I remember correctly. The mixture might also give some fire protection. Beware as the mixtures could cause some metal hangers or nails to have increased rust.

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