Natural and Cost-effectives Ways to Get Rid of Termites

Your home is composed of many wooden components. From the flooring and framing to the beams that support the house – termites can feast on any of these. This eventually weakens the house’s structure, so getting rid of termites should be a top priority.

If you’ve exhausted all your termite treatment options or prefer not to contact a pest control company, don’t worry. There are also natural ways to tackle your termite infestation problem at a fraction of the price.

Here are the most effective ways to get rid of termites:

Nematodes

Nematodes, also known as roundworms, are parasitic insects that can kill termites. They specifically target wood-eating termites and enter their bodies through natural body openings. Once inside, they release a bacteria that kills the termite and eats their host!

You can buy beneficial nematodes online or at your local garden centre. Once you have them, follow these instructions:

• Mix the nematodes with water in a large bucket
• Once blended, pour the mixture into a spray bottle
• Spray the mixture areas onto wooden areas where termite infestations exist
• Let your beneficial nematodes burrow into the termites!

How long does it take nematodes to get rid of termites?

Nematodes kill subterranean termites and other pests from the inside out, so don’t expect to see dead termites like you would using an insecticide. It will generally take a few 3-7 days to notice a significant difference. However, keep in mind that it might take up to a few weeks to completely eliminate them. 

Boric Acid

Boric acid is a white, powdery substance that’s made from borax mixed with natural minerals like colemanite and boracite. It’s commonly in insecticide and can be found in most hardware stores or online. When it comes to termites, it’s one of the most effective natural solutions.

Boric acid works by dehydrating the termites, disabling them from properly absorbing nutrients from their food. So while boric acid won’t immediately kill a termite upon initial contact, it will after a few days of exposure. 

To use boric acid to kill termites, do the following:

• Wear goggles, gloves and a mask to protect your eyes and skin
• Mix one cup of warm water with a teaspoon of boric acid in a spray bottle
• Shake your bottle until the powder has completely dissolved
• Spray all termite-suspect areas and all cracks and crevices in your walls, flooring and ceilings
• Repeat this process every 3-5 days and continually monitor the site for new termites

How long does it take boric acid to get rid of termites?

It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for boric acid to kill termites. Just keep an eye on the area and reapply as necessary.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally-occurring substance made from the fossilised remains of tiny aquatic creatures called diatoms. It’s safe to use around humans and animals but deadly to most insects – including termites. Just be sure to use ‘food grade’ diatomaceous earth, which can be found online or in some health food stores.

When applied, diatomaceous earth works by cutting/scraping through the termite’s exoskeleton, eventually causing their body to release moisture. It also repels termites and other pests by creating a barrier they’ll struggle to penetrate.

To use diatomaceous earth to kill termites, do the following:

• Apply DE with your chosen handheld duster
• Sprinkle a generous amount of DE around all areas where termites might be present or on exposed insulation
• This creates a barrier that termites can’t cross without coming into contact with the DE
• As long as your barrier is firm and intact, you won’t have to reapply

How long does it take the diatomaceous earth to get rid of termites?

Once first contact is made, it takes 12 hours for the diatomaceous earth to kill termites. However, like any other pest solution, you’ll want to continually check for new termites and reapply as necessary.

Cardboard Bait

Termites may wreak havoc on your home, but they’re actually quite simple creatures. One of the easiest ways to get rid of them is with a little bait and patience. Cardboard bait is a dirt-cheap solution that lures termites in one place while they feast. 

Once you’ve identified your termite infestation areas, all you need is two pieces of cardboard. While cardboard bait won’t eliminate termite infestations, when coupled with another method like diatomaceous earth, it will help reduce your termite population.

To use cardboard bait to kill termites, do the following:

• Wet two pieces of cardboard and stick them together (the cellulose in the wet cardboard will attract termites)
• Place your termite bait anywhere you’ve seen termites or suspect they might be present
• Once enough termites feed on the cardboard, remove it and burn it
• Repeat before dead termite bodies stack up as this will repel other termites

How long does it take cardboard bait to get rid of termites?

This depends on how many drywood termites are present and how often you’re willing to check your traps. Think of cardboard bait as an add-on to your existing termite treatment rather than a standalone solution.

Lemon and Vinegar Solution

Termites have soft shells, which makes them vulnerable to a wide variety of household ingredients – including lemon and vinegar. But while a vinegar and lemon solution can kill termites, it’s not a long-term solution for removing termites entirely.

To use a lemon and vinegar solution to kill termites, do the following:

• Mix half a cup of vinegar with the juice of two sliced lemons.
• Pour your solution into a spray bottle and mix well.
• Spray onto infected areas, including mud holes, cracks, and crevices.
• Also spray your vinegar solution onto your exterior surfaces, such as your fences, deck, or porch, to prevent termites from setting up shop.

How long does a lemon and vinegar solution take to get rid of termites?

This is a temporary solution that will only kill termites on contact. You’ll need to reapply your lemon and vinegar solution every few days or after it rains for it to be most effective.

Orange Oil

Orange oil contains d-limonene that’s toxic to termites and acts as a repellent, causing them to starve to death. It’s generally applied on hollow spaces such as mud tubes and cracks to kill present termites. However, you may need to drill holes and insert the orange oil into these spaces to be most effective.

While orange oil can kill termites upon contact, its residual effects appear minimal. This means it’s strictly a spot treatment and won’t affect termites that haven’t come into contact with the oil. If your house is already infested, orange oil might not be the best solution.

To use orange oil as a termite treatment, do the following:

• Identify your dry wood termite colony on your property
• Drill holes into the wood and inject orange oil into these holes
• Apply the treatment every time a new infestation is discovered

How long does it take orange oil to get rid of termites?

A study has shown that 68-96% of termites die within five days of contact with d-limonene. If the treatment works as a deterrent, termites typically take two weeks to starve to death. While orange oil is a viable termite treatment, it doesn’t have a long-lasting effect required to permanently remove them. 

Light Up Your Exterior and Interior

Termites resemble vampires in that they’re attracted to darkness and hate light. Infact, direct sunlight doesn’t just act as a deterrent but can also kill them. If your home is termite-prone, you can proactively keep them away by filling up your house with light.

To use light to keep termites away from your exterior, place wooden furniture, logs or other infested objects in direct sunlight. Since termites love to eat wood, this will attract them to these objects.

For your interior, buying a few UV lamps and placing them in strategic locations such as your basement or crawl space can work to kill termites. However, this method best complements other termite treatments as you’ll still need to tackle the problem at its source.

Preventative measures

The best solution to getting rid of termites is to prevent them from attacking your home in the first place. Here are a few things you can do to make your home unappetizing to termites:

• Keep your gutters clean and debris-free, as this can attract termites.
• Repair any leaks in your roof or plumbing, as this can create an ideal environment for termites to thrive.
• Remove any unnecessary wood, cardboard or other cellulose materials i.e. cardboard boxes, and lumber.
• Get rid of mulch; this can trap heat and moisture, attracting termites.
• Maintain a sound drainage system around your home, as termites are attracted to damp areas.
• Identify telltale signs of subterranean termites early via termite droppings, dropping drywall, discarded wings or loosened tiles.
• Consider other termite control methods, such as termite insecticides. If you’re unsure, contact various pest control companies to find out more customised solutions. 

Sidepost’s Pest Control Solutions for Termite Infestations

If termites have invaded your home, you must act quickly to get rid of them before they cause severe damage. At Sidepost, we provide effective termite treatments that will soon eliminate the problem so you can rest easy.

Contact our team at 1300 138 499 or book online to schedule an appointment today. We’ll provide a comprehensive property inspection and develop a customised treatment plan to eliminate termites for good!