If you have found termites in your home, you want to remove them ASAP. The longer they remain, the more damage they will do to furniture, fabrics, paper, and other cellulose-based items and, in the worst case, to the structure itself. If you have searched for DIY termite removal tips, you will have come across hundreds, if not thousands of them. Even if you discard the crazy-sounding ones, there are still more than you can count left. Here are some of the most popular DIY termite prevention and removal actions you can take, and the downsides of each of them.

Treat Wood with Oil

There are a few oils like neem and orange that are effective in keeping termites at bay. Rubbing one of these oils onto the wood will help to keep termites away. The problem is that the oil has to be applied regularly to the wood because the protective coating will eventually wear off. Other problems include the fact that the wood is oily to the touch, many people find the scent of the oil, especially neem, unpleasant, it may cause allergies if people are sensitive to the smell, and pets who lick the coated surfaces may fall sick.

Use Worms to Kill Termites

You can buy small worms called parasitic nematodes at most nurseries. These worms feed off termite larvae and may destroy a large part of the nest. However,many people are not comfortable working with worms, there is no guarantee that all the larvae will be eaten what do you do if the worms escape and spread through the house?

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Also Read: Is Microwave Treatment Safe?

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Sunlight Kills Termites

Sunlight is effective against termites and enough exposure will kill the pests. But how do you get the sunlight into the dark nooks and corners where termites tend to build their nests? Also, once again there is no guarantee that all the termites will be killed.

DIY Termite Traps

These range from the most basic to the most elaborate. The simplest and often least effective is to simply leave a damp cardboard box on the floor. The termites will be lured by the damp cellulose and once they are in the box, they can be destroyed to kill the termites. The problem with this is that it works only in a small area and may catch only a small number of pests.

Use Borax:

A solution of borax power and water sprayed on the affected area will drive away the termites. But it will not kill them and they may spread out into the rest of the home.

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Also Read: Does Composting Attract Termites?

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These are just a few of the many DIY termite removal ideas available. None of them guarantee success and unless you want to take risks with the safety of your home and what is in it, they are better avoided. There is only one way to be sure of both termite removal and prevention and that is to use a professional termite removal company that has the knowledge, skills, equipment, and material to do a complete and lasting termite removal which will ensure that the termites do not return.

Professional termite removal is less expensive than you may think and it is a very small price to pay to ensure the safety of your home, what is in it, and the health of those who live there.

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