Termites can destroy any wooden structure they come into contact with in a very short period of time. This is why inspecting for termites regularly can save you a lot of money, especially if you catch an infestation early on. Not only that, but if you do spot an infestation in its initial stages, you can use non-chemical methods to stop it in its tracks. Here are some of the natural treatments that you can use for termite control:
Nematodes
Nematodes are tiny parasitic worms that feed on termites, and they can be found in specialty stores or online. If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, you can release these worms in the area and they will go after the termites. Once they find a colony, they will feed on the termites and reproduce until the colony is gone. They are surprisingly efficient in large numbers.
Vinegar
Vinegar is truly a wonder “juice.” You can use it for everything, from cleaning your kitchen counter to seasoning your food and killing off termites. If you mix half a cup of vinegar with the juice from two squeezed lemons, you’ve just made a termiticide. This acidic substance is so effective that it will kill termites on contact. Spray it on any areas that you suspect may have termites.
Wet cardboard
Termites love wood, but it’s not the wood itself that attracts them so much to the material – it is the cellulose. When you combine cellulose with water, you have the perfect meal for a termite. Spray a piece of cardboard with water and then place it outside the home to lure termites away from sensitive structures. As the termites start to swarm the piece of cardboard, you can burn it and kill a whole bunch of them. You can repeat this process as often as necessary.
Orange oil
D-limonene is the main ingredient of orange oil, and it is deadly to termites. Orange oil comes from the peels, and it can be bought online, from gardner stores and from home improvement shops. The orange oil will cause the termites to dissolve partially, which is not a pretty way to go. Once you spray it on a surface for a few times, and the termites start to die off in the area, other termites will avoid it.
Perimeter barrier
A perimeter barrier can be something as simple as digging a ditch between the wooden elements of your home and the soil. The most damaging species of termites are subterranean and they will travel beneath the surface looking for food. If you simply have a space of about 18 inches between any wood in your home and the soil, the termites will abandon the search and look elsewhere. Alternatively, you can use various materials as barriers from gravel to plastics. One effective method used by professionals is the chemical barrier, which is a great deterrent for any adventurous termite.
If you have tried the methods on this list and you have not achieved the desired result, or if you have a very large infestation, it’s best to call a professional. Contact us today and we will take care of the infestation.