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.
Many commercial termite treatments are available, but some can be expensive. Additionally, they may contain chemicals that some homeowners prefer to avoid.
Today, we will share natural remedies and non-toxic solutions that may help repel termites or address small termite infestations.
Subterranean vs. Drywood Termites
Keep in mind that drywood termites and subterranean termites behave differently.
Remedies that work against exposed drywood termites may have little effect on large subterranean colonies hidden underground.
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 may help kill drywood termites on contact. However, it is usually effective only for localized infestations and is unlikely to eliminate an entire colony.
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
Prolonged exposure to heat and direct sunlight may help kill drywood termites inside small pieces of infested furniture. However, success can vary based on how deeply the termites are hidden.
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 10-15 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.
Like many essential-oil remedies, clove oil is most likely to affect exposed termites rather than an entire colony.
6. Beneficial Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes are generally ineffective against drywood termites living inside walls or furniture.
You can buy them at some garden stores and online. Mix them with water as instructed in your order.
Afterward, apply the mixture to moist soil where termites are active, 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
White vinegar is a popular home remedy for pests.
However, there is little scientific evidence that it offers meaningful control for termites. It may only harm a few exposed termites.
To give it a try, dilute vinegar with water (1:1 ratio). Spray this homemade termite killer directly onto the termites.
8. Remove the Old Tree Stump
One of the most common ways to prevent termite infestations is to remove old tree stumps.
Old tree stumps can attract termites and provide them with a food source. 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. However, research supporting the use of garlic oil for termite control is limited, and it should not be relied upon for active infestations.
To make this natural 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.
Note: Salt solutions may affect exposed termites but are unlikely to reach or eliminate an established colony.
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.
Its effectiveness depends on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
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 DIY termite treatment, 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 can attract termites because it provides moisture and cellulose, making it useful as a temporary trap.
To use this method, place two pieces of wet cardboard on top of each other in an infested area.
Some termites may be attracted to the moist cardboard, allowing you to remove a small number of individuals. However, this method will not eliminate the colony.
Once the termites have flocked to the cardboard, 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.
Boiling water may kill termites it directly contacts, including those in accessible mud tubes or exposed galleries. However, it rarely reaches enough of the colony to provide lasting control.
16. Heat Treatment
Professional heat treatments raise temperatures in infested wood and structures.
When performed correctly, this method can kill termites hidden deep inside wood galleries [3]. When performed correctly, it can kill termites at all life stages, including eggs, nymphs, and adults.
This natural termite treatment is usually performed by professionals and is considered a non-chemical control option.
17. Other Essential Oils
Some essential oils work well against pests, such as termites. Wintergreen oil is among the most effective [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 leaking pipes, faucets, and air-conditioning units.
- Reduce wood-to-soil contact around your home.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house whenever possible.
- Eliminate excess moisture around the foundation.
- Seal cracks and entry points.
- Remove old stumps, fallen branches, and wood debris.
- Avoid piling mulch directly against exterior walls.
- Schedule regular termite inspections.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean, so water drains away from the foundation.
When to Call a Professional
Because termites can cause serious structural damage, contact a licensed pest-control professional if you suspect an infestation.
FAQ
Can Natural Remedies Eliminate a Termite Colony?
Most natural remedies only affect termites that come into direct contact with the treatment.
Some methods may help reduce termite activity or repel termites, but they rarely eliminate an established colony.
Severe infestations usually require professional treatment.
What Is the Most Effective Natural Termite Treatment?
Among natural options, beneficial nematodes, orange oil (for drywood termites), and Beauveria bassiana have some of the strongest scientific support.
However, their effectiveness depends on the termite species and the size of the infestation.
Does Bleach Kill Termites?
Bleach may kill termites it directly contacts. However, it does not penetrate deeply enough to eliminate a colony.
For this reason, it is generally not considered an effective termite-control method.
Takeaway
Seeing winged termites, also called swarmers, may signal that a mature colony is nearby. This often means they are looking to establish new colonies.
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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