How to Kill Termites the Natural Way?
Termites can eat away your home fast if left unchecked. Acting fast and finding the right termite treatment will help save your house and also your money. There are stages to termite infestation and calling a professional termite company for help is the best option. But, if an infestation is small or is at the initial stage, a few natural treatments can help control the infestation from spreading. Here are some natural ways by which you can get rid of termites.
When to Use the Natural Methods of Termite Control?
If you are choosing the natural method, then you should check the size of the infestation. Natural methods might not work for large infestations since it is impossible to make it work without the right equipment and expertise. And there is also the problem of the termites moving to another place of your home after the natural treatment. This new place might not be easily recognisable and now you have a colony of termites chewing away your home silently.
Inspect the termite mound or the infested place and assess the extent of damage. Infestation in a tree stump in your garden can be treated naturally but if the infestation is in your foundation or basement, it is best to get the help of a termite control expert.
How to Kill Termites Naturally?
Here are some natural ways by which you can kill termites.
Direct Sunlight
You must already know by now that termites love dark and damp places. These little insects cannot thrive under sunlight and heat.
If you are noting termite activity on a piece of furniture or suspecting the same, then drag it out and place it under direct sunlight. As the furniture heats up, the termites will start to leave. It might be best to keep it out in the sun at a safe distance from your house.
If the infestation is in a material that cannot be moved (like a beam) then you can use UV light to drive out the termites.
Also Read: How do you get rid of termites?
Borates
When it comes to getting rid of termites, borates would be a good start. Boric acid is often recommended for the elimination of termites.
Boric acid is a natural pesticide and usually comes in the powder form. You can sprinkle it in the area of infestation or mix it with water to spray in the area. It might be best to use goggles, masks and gloves while spraying the acid.
When the termites ingest it, their ability to get nutrients from the food they eat is affected. This will gradually reduce the infestation.
Also Read: How to Build a Termite Free House
Cardboard Baits
Termites love cellulose and you can make use of this to get rid of them. One popular method of eliminating the termites is to use the cardboard baits system.
This method involves using damp cardboard to lure in the termites. Place the dampened cardboard in places that you suspect of termite activity and wait for them to infest it. Now take the cardboard out and burn it. This should be repeated a few times until the infestation gets cleared.
Nematodes
Nematodes are small worms that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Nematodes attack their host by injecting bacteria into its body and then feeding on it.
Use nematodes and let them prey on the termites. This is one of the most preferred termite control methods since it is safe. Nematodes do not cause any damage to wood, pets or humans. They are deadly only to termites and pests. There are different kinds of nematodes for each pest and hence it is important to get the one for termites.
Nematodes are easily available in packets. You can mix these worms in a large bucket of water and then spray the same in the infected area. The water will seep into the area and allow the nematodes to spread.
Vinegar
Take the juice from two lemons and mix it with half a cup of vinegar. Transfer the same into a spray bottle and use it on the infested areas and mud tubes. When done properly, the combination seeps in well and eliminates the termites. It is important to repeat this process for a few days and check for results.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is the oil extracted from neem trees and it has been used in termite control for a long time now. When the termites ingest the oil, it disrupts the reproductive cycle of the pests. This stops the older termites from laying eggs and with time the colony is gone.
Purchase crude neem oil and then mix it with mild liquid soap and water. Transfer it to a bottle and spray in the infested areas.
While these are the common methods for elimination of termites, there are other options like using diatomaceous earth, orange oil and more. Try out these methods and let the results show. If you still notice damage to wooden things, then there is a chance of a bigger infestation. Call a professional termite company immediately and let the expert inspect your home. These termite exterminators are well-experienced and they can recommend the right termite treatment for the specific infestation.
Hi Tech Termite Control
Termites are unwelcome guests that can cause serious damage to your house in the long run. Make sure you eliminate them when you have the chance. Call us at (888) 322-8889 and we will get rid of these pests for you.
- Jul 20, 2022