10 Natural Ways Of Preventing Termites
Termites can destroy the wooden products in your home if left unchecked. Some people prefer using chemical pesticides to keep termites away. However, if you like using natural products, you can use the home remedies below to keep termites away from your home.
1. Cayenne pepper
Did you know cayenne pepper is one of the termite’s worst nightmares? Cayenne pepper has an active ingredient called capsaicin that destroys the termite’s nervous system. Sprinkle a generous amount of pepper where the termites are for a few days until you get rid of them.
2. White vinegar
You can successfully get rid of termites by using lemon juice and vinegar. Combine half a cup of vinegar with the juice of two lemons in a spray bottle and spray the combination into their holes. Alternatively, spray the mixture on all wooden structures in your home to kill the termites.
3. Orange oil
Orange oil contains a d-limonene chemical that’s very dangerous in terminating termites. Orange oil works by dissolving termites’ exoskeletons, making them rapidly lose protein and moisture, causing them to die. Just spray orange oil where they are and also their holes. Regularly spraying orange oil will keep your home free from termites.
4. Nematodes
Nematodes worms love feeding on termites and can be an excellent option to get rid of them. You can buy these tiny worms in specialty stores and then release them on the areas infested with termites.
5. Borates
Borax powder not only washes your laundry but also can be used to kill termites. Just sprinkle the powder on the affected area and also on their holes. Alternatively, you can mix sodium borate with water and then spray the mixture on the infested areas.
6. Wet cardboard
Termites love feeding on cellulose and water. To use this method, wet a piece of cardboard with water and place it on the areas where the termites are. After some hours, termites will flock there to feast. Next, gently carry the cardboard away and burn it along with the termites. Repeat this process until you get rid of all termites.
7. Using neem oil
Neem oil works by interrupting the reproductive cycle of insects such as termites. Once the termites feed on the oil, they will forget eating, mating, and laying eggs. This method stops the reproduction of termites and decreases their number. With time, the older termites will die, and the area will eventually become termites-free.
8. Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth contains sharp particles that cut through the termite’s outer exoskeleton. The damaged outer layer allows moisture to escape, thus interfering with the insect’s water balance. Termites will eventually die because of a lack of moisture.
9. Salt
Sprinkling a concentrated amount of table salt will kill the termites by dehydrating them. Just mix a concentrated amount of salt in water and stir. Afterward, use a syringe to spread the mixture on the affected areas.
10. Sunlight
Termites hate being exposed to sunshine. You can get rid of termites by exposing the infested furniture to sunlight. Ideally, you can consider cutting down trees that are shading your perimeter, thus attracting termites.
Remember, if you’re experiencing active termite infestation, it’s wise to consult a professional to advise you on the most effective product to use. The natural methods listed above are ideal if you want to handle minor termite infestations and as a preventative measure.
1. Cayenne pepper
Did you know cayenne pepper is one of the termite’s worst nightmares? Cayenne pepper has an active ingredient called capsaicin that destroys the termite’s nervous system. Sprinkle a generous amount of pepper where the termites are for a few days until you get rid of them.
2. White vinegar
You can successfully get rid of termites by using lemon juice and vinegar. Combine half a cup of vinegar with the juice of two lemons in a spray bottle and spray the combination into their holes. Alternatively, spray the mixture on all wooden structures in your home to kill the termites.
3. Orange oil
Orange oil contains a d-limonene chemical that’s very dangerous in terminating termites. Orange oil works by dissolving termites’ exoskeletons, making them rapidly lose protein and moisture, causing them to die. Just spray orange oil where they are and also their holes. Regularly spraying orange oil will keep your home free from termites.
4. Nematodes
Nematodes worms love feeding on termites and can be an excellent option to get rid of them. You can buy these tiny worms in specialty stores and then release them on the areas infested with termites.
5. Borates
Borax powder not only washes your laundry but also can be used to kill termites. Just sprinkle the powder on the affected area and also on their holes. Alternatively, you can mix sodium borate with water and then spray the mixture on the infested areas.
6. Wet cardboard
Termites love feeding on cellulose and water. To use this method, wet a piece of cardboard with water and place it on the areas where the termites are. After some hours, termites will flock there to feast. Next, gently carry the cardboard away and burn it along with the termites. Repeat this process until you get rid of all termites.
7. Using neem oil
Neem oil works by interrupting the reproductive cycle of insects such as termites. Once the termites feed on the oil, they will forget eating, mating, and laying eggs. This method stops the reproduction of termites and decreases their number. With time, the older termites will die, and the area will eventually become termites-free.
8. Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth contains sharp particles that cut through the termite’s outer exoskeleton. The damaged outer layer allows moisture to escape, thus interfering with the insect’s water balance. Termites will eventually die because of a lack of moisture.
9. Salt
Sprinkling a concentrated amount of table salt will kill the termites by dehydrating them. Just mix a concentrated amount of salt in water and stir. Afterward, use a syringe to spread the mixture on the affected areas.
10. Sunlight
Termites hate being exposed to sunshine. You can get rid of termites by exposing the infested furniture to sunlight. Ideally, you can consider cutting down trees that are shading your perimeter, thus attracting termites.
Remember, if you’re experiencing active termite infestation, it’s wise to consult a professional to advise you on the most effective product to use. The natural methods listed above are ideal if you want to handle minor termite infestations and as a preventative measure.
