Andre CampbellIn this post, we will discuss some popular natural ways to get rid of termites. If left untreated, these pests can cause extensive damage to your home’s floors, walls, and even shelves.
While several commercial termite treatments are available, they can be expensive and contain harmful chemicals.
Today, we will share natural remedies and non-toxic solutions that may help repel termites or address small termite infestations.
How to Get Rid of Termites Naturally
Termites, sometimes mistakenly called ‘white ants,’ can be expensive to treat with conventional methods. That is why many homeowners try natural DIY remedies, such as those listed below.
1. Neem Oil
Neem oil is often used to get rid of harmful insects because it can 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.
Neem oil may disrupt feeding and help repel termites. Spray it directly on exposed termites and around areas where they may be nesting.
You can also buy neem oil concentrate and use it as directed on the label.
2. Orange Oil
Orange oil is another excellent all-natural remedy for treating termites at home. However, it is mainly used against localized drywood termite activity and may not eliminate large colonies.
The active compound in orange oil may repel or kill exposed termites.
To make orange oil spray, dilute 2 ounces of orange oil per gallon of water. Once you’ve done this, inject or pour the solution directly into the termite holes.
3. Sunlight
Sunlight is another safe method to get rid of drywood termites on your own.
Leaving infested furniture in direct sunlight may help control drywood termites. Excessive sunlight exposure will kill them.
This method only works for infested furniture or small, movable wooden items.
4. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Food-grade diatomaceous earth can damage termites’ exoskeletons, eventually leading to dehydration.
Therefore, you can use it as a natural termite killer. Spread it around the perimeter of your home, in cracks, or in other affected areas.
You can buy food-grade diatomaceous earth online or from other retailers.
5. Clove Oil
Clove oil contains compounds that may help repel or kill some insects on contact.
To use clove oil as a termite infestation treatment, you will need a few things:
- Clove oil
- Spray bottle
- Paper towels
- Mask (optional)
Add 10 to 15 drops of clove oil to about 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well to combine.
Next, put on your mask, if desired, and spray 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. Wipe away excess moisture afterward.
Repeat this treatment as necessary.
6. Beneficial Nematodes
Some homeowners find that beneficial nematodes are effective against termites. They are available at some garden stores and online.
Mix them with water as instructed in your order.
Afterward, apply the mixture to moist soil near termite activity, especially around your home’s foundation, crawl spaces, and garden areas.
These nematodes may help control termites in moist soil. They enter the termites’ bodies and kill them.
7. White Vinegar
Another favorite home remedy to stop termites is white vinegar. It may help kill visible termites, but it is unlikely to destroy a hidden colony.
Dilute vinegar with water (1:1 ratio). Next, spray this homemade termite killer directly onto the termites.
8. Remove the Old Tree Stump
One of the most common ways to avoid a termite attack is to remove the tree stump in which they live. Old stumps can attract termites, so removing them may help reduce termite activity around your property.
If you are not able to do it yourself, call a professional tree service to remove the stump. The company may use a process known as stump grinding.
9. Garlic Oil
Some homeowners use garlic oil sprays as natural repellents, though scientific evidence is limited.
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
Heat the oil until it is hot but not boiling. Next, remove it from the heat and add the garlic.
Let the garlic soak in the oil for about 24 hours. Strain the oil 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, then apply it around the foundation of your house or in areas where termites are active.
Reapply this plant-based repellent every few weeks as needed.
10. Salt
Salt is another common DIY remedy for exposed termites.
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. The salt may dehydrate exposed termites.
11. Beauveria bassiana
Beauveria bassiana is another widely used natural termite-control agent [1].
It works by infecting termites, eventually killing them. You can also use it to control garden pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and thrips.
You can use it in several ways. One is to apply it to the soil around your home, where termites may be active.
You can also spray it in other places where you’ve seen termite activity, especially in the cracks and crevices where they hide.
It is available as a ready-to-use spray or as a powder, which you can mix according to the instructions. However, it can take a while to start working.
12. Borax
Borax can kill termites that ingest it, though it may not eliminate an entire colony. It works against both subterranean termites and drywood termites.
Borax is easy to buy at most home and garden stores and is used for termite extermination.
Sprinkle a little borax on the affected area. Dissolve a teaspoon of it in 8 ounces of water to make a spray.
13. Cedar Oil
Cedar oil is a natural essential oil often used to repel wood-damaging pests, including termites [2].
To make a cedar oil spray, mix 10 to 15 drops of cedarwood essential oil with 2 cups of water. You can also add a few drops of liquid soap to help the oil blend properly.
Shake well and spray around wooden structures, baseboards, cracks, and other areas where termites may be active.
Many people use cedar oil as a preventive treatment. Its scent and compounds may deter termites and other insects from settling nearby.
14. Wet Cardboard
Wet cardboard will create an environment hospitable to 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 have flocked to the cardboard and started eating it, dispose of it in a sealed bag or burn it where permitted.
15. 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. Boiling water may kill visible termites on contact, but it usually will not reach the entire colony.
16. Aloe Vera
Some people also use aloe vera gel as a natural home remedy for exposed termites [3]. Its sticky texture may help trap some exposed termites.
To make an aloe vera termite spray, blend fresh aloe vera gel with an equal amount of water until smooth. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it directly to termites or infested cracks and crevices.
You can also combine aloe vera gel with a few drops of neem oil for additional repellent effects.
While this remedy may help against visible termites, it is unlikely to destroy a hidden colony.
17. Other Essential Oils
Some essential oils work well against pests, such as termites. Wintergreen oil is one of the most effective ones [4].
Other oils that may help repel termites include lavender, tea tree, and cedarwood. Therefore, use these essential oils to make a DIY termite spray.
Mix 10 to 15 drops of each oil with 12 ounces of water. Then, spray the mixture on wood, walls, or other affected areas.
Termite Prevention Tips
- Fix leaks.
- Reduce wood-to-soil contact.
- Store firewood away from the house.
- Reduce moisture.
- Seal cracks.
When to Call a Professional
Because termites can cause structural damage, contact a licensed pest-control professional if you suspect a major infestation.
Takeaway
A mature termite colony might be near your home if you see winged termites flying around.
In this case, the best option is to call a professional exterminator. However, as you can see, there are a few things that you can do to control them naturally.
Some of these remedies may help repel termites or reduce small localized problems, but severe infestations usually require professional treatment. Natural remedies are often most useful as preventive measures or for minor termite activity.
Sasha Campbell
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