Final answer:
Borates act as a D. chitin inhibitor in termites, affecting their ability to produce their exoskeleton, leading to death by dehydration or exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Borates affect termites by acting as a D. chitin inhibitor. Chitin is a key component in the exoskeletons of insects, including termites.
By inhibiting chitin, borates disrupt the termite's ability to produce their protective exoskeleton. This leads to their death due to dehydration or vulnerability to environmental factors.
Essentially, borates interfere with the metabolic processes related to the production of chitin, which is crucial for the survival and growth of termites.
It's important to note that insecticides like carbamates and organophosphates target the nervous system while borates target the production of chitin.