Final answer:
Borates are chiefly used in pest control as an effective ingredient in baits for various insects and as a component of laundry detergents. They provide a safer alternative to traditional pesticides and are also used in industrial applications due to their strength and thermal resistance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Borates are utilized in various applications due to their chemical properties. Most notably, borax, a form of borate, is an effective component in some laundry detergents and is instrumental in pest control for its toxicity to certain insects. Its role as a pesticide is particularly important in baits targeting ants, fleas, cockroaches, spiders, and other pests. In these scenarios, borates serve as a less toxic alternative to conventional pesticides and can be found in products that are sprinkle-applied in target areas or mixed with bait substances.
In the broader context of pesticides, borates contribute to the types of substances that include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and many more, all designed to protect crops and properties from pests of various kinds.
In addition to pest control, boron compounds like borosilicate glass and boron filaments offer exceptional strength and thermal resistance, lending their use to various industrial applications such as in the manufacturing of fiberglass, airplanes, golf clubs, and fishing rods.