Andre CampbellIn this post, we’ll discuss some popular natural ways to get rid of termites. These pests can cause a lot of damage to your home’s floors, walls, and even shelves if they’re not dealt with quickly.
And while several commercial termite treatments are available, they can be expensive and full of harmful chemicals.
Today, we will give you some helpful advice on naturally controlling termites. We will focus on home remedies and non-toxic products.
How to Get Rid of Termites Naturally
Termites, sometimes called “white ants,” can cost much to treat with conventional methods. That is why people are trying natural DIY remedies like the ones listed below.
1. Neem Oil
Neem oil is often used to get rid of harmful insects because of its ability to either kill or repel them.
To make a DIY neem oil spray for termites, combine 5 ml of neem oil with 2 ml of liquid dish soap in a liter of water.
Spray it directly on termites to kill them. You can also apply it to the areas where they’re nesting. This time, it will serve as a repellent for the critters.
You can also buy neem oil concentrate and use it as directed on the label.
2. Orange Oil
Orange oil is another great all-natural remedy to treat termites at home.
These pests hate the smell. It will also kill them on contact.
You’ll want to dilute 2 ounces per gallon of water to make orange oil spray. Once done, inject or pour the solution directly into the termite holes.
3. Hot Pepper
Hot pepper spray is one of the best home remedies for certain insect pests. It’s a strong irritant and can cause them to flee the area.
To use it as a termite protection remedy, you’ll need to finely chop one large hot pepper and soak it in 4 cups of water.
Let it rest briefly, strain it, and then pour it into a spray bottle. Finally, spray the mixture directly onto the termites and their nests.
Reapply this home remedy every few days until the termites are gone.
4. Sunlight
This is another safe method to get rid of drywood termites by yourself.
Leaving your furniture in the sun is one of the best ways to control the insects. Excessive sunlight exposure will kill them.
5. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
You can buy diatomaceous earth at some health retailers or online. It will kill any termites that come into contact with it.
Therefore, you can use it as a natural termite killer by spreading it around the perimeter of your home, in cracks, or other affected areas.
6. Clove Oil
Clove oil is a powerful essential oil. People worldwide have used it for many years to kill pests in their homes and gardens.
To use clove oil as a termite infestation treatment, you’ll need a few things:
- Clove oil
- Sprayer bottle (like a spray bottle for cleaning)
- Paper Towels
- Mask (optional)
First, pour some clove oil into the spray bottle. You don’t need a lot—10 to 15 drops is enough. Add water to fill the bottle the rest of the way. Shake well to combine.
Next, please put on your mask and spray it around the areas where you’ve seen termites. However, avoid any areas with electrical cords or other items that could be damaged by moisture or contact with the solution.
Let the mixture sit for about an hour, then wipe the spills with paper towels. Repeat as necessary.
7. Beneficial Nematodes
Some homeowners find beneficial nematodes effective against termites. They are available at some garden stores and online.
Mix them with water according to the instructions in your order.
Afterward, pour the mixture into wood that has termites. Do this in your basement, around your house, and in your garden.
These nematodes work great to get rid of termites in garden soil naturally. They will enter the termite’s body and kill it.
8. White Vinegar
Another favorite home remedy to stop termites is white vinegar.
To use vinegar to kill termites, dilute it with water (1:1 ratio) or use it straight. Next, spray it directly on the termites themselves.
However, this homemade termite killer may not eliminate the entire colony if you have an infestation.
9. Remove the Old Tree Stump
One of the most common ways to avoid a termite attack is to remove the tree stump they live in. An old stump is usually home to termites, so the problem should go away once you remove it.
Pour a liquid insecticide into the termites’ nest to treat the tree stump.
Next, call a professional tree service to remove the stump. They may perform a task known as “stump grinding.”
10. Garlic Oil
Another excellent home remedy to repel termites is garlic oil. You can use it to make a spray.
To make this homemade termite-repellent spray, you will need the following:
- 1 cup of food-grade oil
- 1/2 cup of chopped garlic
- A glass jar with a lid
In a pan, heat the oil until it is hot. Do not let it boil. Remove from the heat and add the garlic.
Let the garlic soak in the oil for about 24 hours. Strain the oil and pour it into the glass jar. Store it in a cool, dark place.
Combine two tablespoons of the homemade garlic oil with a pint of water. Shake thoroughly to mix well, and apply around the foundation of your house or areas with termites.
Reapply this plant-based repellent every few weeks as needed.
11. Salt
Salt is also an excellent DIY termite treatment. Just mix equal parts table salt and warm water. Next, pour the salty solution into a spray bottle and spritz it directly on the termites.
You can also pour saltwater into the holes and crevices where you’ve seen evidence of termites. They will become dehydrated and eventually die.
Epsom salt also works in the same way when used in high concentrations.
12. Beauveria bassiana
Beauveria bassiana is another widely used natural termite control agent.
It works by infecting termites, eventually killing them. You can also use it to control garden pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and thrips.
There are a few ways you can use it. One way is to apply it to the soil around your home, where you’ll likely find termites.
You can also spray it in other places where you’ve seen the critters. Spray it in the cracks and crevices where they hide.
It is available as a ready-to-use spray, or you can buy it in powder form and mix it according to instructions. However, it can take a while before it starts to work. Most people use it to prevent termites instead of treating the problem.
13. Borax
This remedy is so effective that some say it can permanently kill termites.
Borax is toxic to termites, so they will die almost instantly, not long after coming into contact with it. Moreover, it works against both subterranean termites and drywood termites.
You can buy borax at most home and garden stores, and it’s easy to use for termite extermination.
Just sprinkle a little borax on the affected area. Or, dissolve a teaspoon of it in 8 ounces of water to make a spray.
Borax is also safe to use to get rid of termites in clothes.
14. Canola Oil
Canola oil is often used in cooking, but you can also use it as an insecticide for termites.
Mix 2 cups of the oil with two tablespoons of liquid soap. Combine two teaspoons of this concentrate with a cup of warm water as a pesticide.
Shake well and use it in areas where it’s needed. The oil will suffocate the termites.
15. Wet Cardboard
Wet cardboard will create an environment hospitable for termites, so it’s a good way to trap them.
To use this method, place two pieces of wet cardboard on top of each other in an infested area. Once the termites flock to the cardboard and start eating it, you will know what to do next.
16. Boiling Water
Boiling water effectively kills several pesky insects when poured directly on them. Gardeners use it to kill ants, weevils, and other crawling pests.
But you can also pour it on termite nests, especially subterranean termites, to eliminate them. It will kill them instantly.
17. Other Essential Oils
Some essential oils work well against pests, such as termites. However, wintergreen oil is one of the most effective ones [1].
Other oils that will keep them away include lavender, tea tree, and cedarwood. Therefore, use these essential oils to make a DIY termite spray.
Mix 15 to 20 drops of each oil with 12 ounces of water to make the recipe. Then, spray the mixture on wood, walls, or other affected areas.
Takeaway
If you see winged termites flying around, a mature termite colony might be near your home.
Then, the best thing to do is call in a professional exterminator. However, as you can see, there are a few things that you can do to control them naturally.
Some of these methods may take a little longer than others, but they are all effective in their own way. Try out a few and see which works best to achieve permanent results.
Sasha Campbell
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