[1] Trade names include Bora-Care, Borathor, Termite Prufe, Board Defense, Polybor,[6] Tim-bor,[7] and Can-Bor.

The structure contains two interlocking boron-oxygen frameworks, each of them consisting of alternating single and double rings composed of two triangles and a tetrahedron, the so called triborate and pentaborate groups.

The two frameworks are connected by two (non-equivalent) sodium atoms, each surrounded by 8 oxygens, comprising finite chains of four NaO8 polyhedra with shared edges.

[11] Dilute solutions of disodium octaborate are sprayed on wood surfaces to kill termites, powder post beetles, carpenter ants, fungi and algae.

[4] The compound was also shown to significantly reduce dust mite populations in the home when applied as a dilute solution to carpets and upholstery together with regular vacuum cleaning.

[12] Disodium octaborate, applied to the soil or foliar spray, has been shown to inhibit pests of crops such as tomato and pistachio, with no observed detrimental effects to the plants.