How To Get Rid Of Termites Naturally – In the United States, there are over 40 types of termites. Worldwide there are more than 4, 000. The US Department of Agriculture estimates that termites cause more than a billion dollars in damage to homes in America every year. Crazy right? You obviously want to prevent termites before you have an infestation.

These include the dry wood termite, subterranean termite, moist wood termite, and formosan termite. Although all under the termite umbrella, these species have some key differences that separate them. But before we get to that, let’s take a quick look at one of the main things termites have in common – their family structure.

How To Get Rid Of Termites Naturally

This is the most common type of termite that can be found in the world. As their name suggests, they live in dry wood and eat through beams, walls, etc, until they are hollowed out. Unlike many other species, they can survive in dry conditions for long periods of time and do not need soil to survive. These termites are able to get the moisture they need from the wood they eat.

How To Get Rid Of Termites (2023)

This type of termite can only live in underground soil. Subterranean termites require high levels of moisture. This species prefers to eat soft, springy wood fiber. They build mud tubes to maintain the moisture levels necessary for survival. These termites build mud tunnels on anything that comes in contact with the ground. Like drywood termites, subterranean termites are most common in warmer climates.

These termites live in wood with a high moisture content and therefore do not need contact with the soil to survive. Dampwood termites are mainly found in damp logs, stumps and dead wood and can sometimes be found near water leaks or voids in walls, but termite infestations are rare in buildings and structures. These termites are much larger than the other species.

The Formosan termite is often called the “super termite” because of the rapid rate at which colonies can destroy wood. A mature colony can consume about 13 grams of wood per day and can cause significant structural damage within three months. Where Formosan colonies are present, nearby buildings are also at risk of invasion. Once Formosan termites are established in an area, it is very difficult to eradicate them. The queen in the colony can produce more than 1,000 eggs per day, and eventually they swim to create new colonies.

You caught me! I left out a rather large category of termites. Why? Because desert termites are not a serious threat to properties. In fact, they bring more benefit than harm. By building channels in the ground these termites encourage water infiltration. They also break down plant matter, and as a result play a major role in the environment.

Plants To Deter Termites

Desert termites (Gnathamitermess) are more numerous than ants, although they are almost not noticed. Desert termites usually live underground, creating endless tunnels and channels. They can be found under rocks or wood.

While I have noted some specific signs of the four main types of termites, let’s take a big look at how to spot a termite infestation in your home.

You probably wouldn’t be here if you didn’t already have a termite problem. So, let’s talk about how to get rid of termites.

The way you kill termites often depends on the species although there are several natural ways to get rid of termites associated with each. Let’s look at those first.

Using Orange Oil To Treat Dry Wood Termites

Diatomaceous earth: Fill a powder duster (like this one) with diatomaceous earth. Apply diatomaceous earth to create a barrier in areas such as exposed wood and insulation in your basement, attic, crawl spaces etc. You can also apply it directly to your garden soil. If you use it outside, you need to reapply it every time it rains. If you are in a humid climate, you need to reapply it every few days.

Castor Oil: Mix castor oil seeds, leaves and roots with water and soak for 24 hours. Then press the solution and spray the affected area to repel the termites. Don’t want to make your own castor oil solution? You can try this brand but it is more powerful to make your own.

Poppy Oil: Termites are kept away by spraying a mixture of poppy oil and water around the infested area. It also helps dry out anything it comes in contact with. This is an affordable brand.

Boric Acid: This is considered the best ‘in-between’ solution when it comes to the pesticide vs natural pest control debate. After contact, it would take anywhere from 3 to 7 days for an exposed termite to die. My recommendation is Duda Energy Boric Acid Fine Powder. This is 99.9+% pure industrial grade boric acid and is great value for money. To use boric acid, fill up a high quality powder duster with the boric acid powder. Use the powder duster to apply the boric acid powder to areas where you suspect the termites may be crossing such as cracks or crevices. You can use this indoors and outdoors, such as in your garden. If you manage to find the termite colony, you can apply the boric acid powder directly into it.

Why Pest Protection Should Be On Your List Of New Year’s Resolutions

Dry wood termites are terrible! I live in the desert and we fight termites. I have tried everything under the sun but natural remedies are usually not full proof. Here’s what I’ve done that has helped though.

One of the greenest options for termite control is to introduce parasitic roundworms into the termite colony. Also known as beneficial nematodes, these organisms can destroy termite populations. Once attached to a host, these nearly microscopic worms release bacteria that are fatal to insects such as termites. Once they have killed their host they move on to another member of the colony, reproducing in the process. Beneficial nematodes can usually be found at your local home and garden store. Once purchased, drop the nematodes into the termite hive and let them do the rest. This approach works best in conjunction with other natural pest control methods.

I only recommend NaturesGoodGuys Live Beneficial Nematodes! These have always worked VERY well and not just for termites. They attack fleas, flies, grubs and more.

Orange oil has been proven effective in killing termites, especially drywood termites. Extremely affordable and all natural orange oil is derived from orange peel and is made mostly of d-limonene – a solvent that is deadly to termites. When termites come into direct contact with orange oil their exoskeletons begin to dissolve, causing them to lose proteins and moisture, and eventually die. This method also acts as a deterrent, as termites will avoid traveling in areas saturated with orange oil. Orange oil is also believed to interfere with termites’ pheromones, which they use to communicate. Simply spray full-strength or slightly diluted orange oil on areas with termite problems, as close to the hive as possible. If the hive is located behind a wall and you are not interested in destroying a Sheet, many professionals recommend drilling holes in the drywall and distributing orange oil through the opening. (Always consult a professional before removing drywall or drilling holes for this purpose). Be aware: orange oil can irritate the skin and cause complications if ingested, so be careful when using this essential oil.

How To Tell If You Have Termite Damage

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to get rid of subterranean termites. The trench method is the best way to kill a colony.

Make a trench around your house 6 inches deep and 6 inches wide. Fill a bucket with equal parts salt and hot water. Yes, it should be very salty. Pour the mixture into the trench and immediately fill it back with dirt until it has turned into mud. Repeat the process for each side of your home until the entire perimeter of your home is covered. The termites will die of dehydration. You may need to repeat this process 2-3 times over a period of 7 days.

Take two pieces of cardboard together, spray them with water until they are wet enough but not falling apart, and leave them in an infested area. It’s like a cellulose sandwich for damp wood termites.

Cardboard will attract fertile termites leaving an attractive woody smell. When termites fill the trap, take it out and burn it. Now trap yourself again and wait for a new group.

Everything You Need To Know About Termites In Nc

Termites of this type cannot survive in heat and sunlight. Infested pieces of furniture, books, wooden frames can be taken outside during the hottest day in summer for 2-3 days.

Another method is to dig a trench in an infested area and leave the termite habitat exposed directly to sunlight and heat.

One of the best ways to prevent an infestation is to make your home’s wood inhospitable to termites. Wood treatment that removes moisture from wood is a very effective method of deterring termites from consuming or living in wooden structures. This approach not only preserves wood — making it more structurally stable and resistant to rot and mold — but transforms it into something that termites can no longer eat or destroy. This is the product I use on all my outdoors

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