Protection from moisture, rot, and fungi
Borates are extremely effective at protecting wood from decay fungi (wood rot) by combining in solution with groups of biochemicals that are vital to metabolic processes at the cellular level. These combinations are then unable to take part in the metabolic pathway, and so the cells of the fungi starve.
Borates are also highly effective broad-spectrum preservatives, gaining full control over the fungi and insects responsible for the biodeterioration of natural-fiber products. However, borates simultaneously possess very low acute mammalian toxicity, so they pose virtually no risk to people or pets.