Termites multiply very quickly and are then difficult to remove, so you have to react quickly!
There are few pests as destructive to a home as termites. These insects eat wood and are capable of destroying not only furniture but also the structure of your home. In today’s article, you will find out what you can do about it.
How can you tell if there are termites in your home? You will see yellowish spots on the wood as if it had been sprinkled with breadcrumbs. Sometimes you can also see small holes in the wood. These are two clear signs that you have unwelcome guests in your home.
These pests like certain types of wood more than others. If you have cedar or tropical hardwood like Guanacaste, you are pretty safe from termites. They don’t like these types of wood that much. But they love the following types of wood:
- Pine
- Cypress
- Kapok
- Balsa
- Alder
What can you do against termites?
How can you get rid of termites before it’s too late? Below you will find some recommendations and methods to get rid of the pests.
1. Oranges and camphor
You can easily place a bowl of orange peel and camphor in your dresser drawers. Camphor is a whitish substance that looks like salt and can be used as an insecticide, among other things. However, make sure that this substance does not come into contact with your clothing, otherwise, stains may occur.
2. Boric acid as an insecticide
You can find boric acid at the supermarket or garden store. Note: It is not the same as medical boric acid sold in pharmacies.
- Mix one teaspoon of boric acid with one tablespoon of sugar and one tablespoon of powdered milk.
- Fill some bottle caps with this and place them in the affected areas.
- However, do not place them in places where children or pets have access; they can be poisonous.
- Let this home remedy work for three to four weeks, it acts like a poison. Termites multiply quickly and are then difficult to remove!
3. Other tips
Not all tips that are shared on the Internet are effective. For example, spraying gasoline on wood does not achieve the desired result because this agent cannot penetrate deep enough into the wood where the termites reside. In addition, the smell is unpleasant and gasoline is a fire hazard.
Kerosene, motor oil, and similar products are also not recommended because they are highly flammable.
4. Professional destruction methods
As already mentioned, termites multiply quickly and are then very difficult to remove. In this case, you should let professionals do the work and get excellent termite protection. They can destroy the pests because they have completely different methods for doing so.
Collaborate with pest control experts regularly to put preventive termite management plans into action. To make sure your house stays termite-free, professionals may do comprehensive inspections, give knowledgeable advice on prevention, and provide tailored treatments.
5. Natural Predators: Encourage Beneficial Insects
Think about adding termite natural predators to your living space. Certain beneficial insects, such as certain ants and nematodes, have been shown to feed on termites. Naturally managing termite populations around your house may be achieved by establishing a healthy ecology.
6. Essential Oils to Repel Termites
Neem oil, orange oil, and clove oil are a few examples of essential oils that offer insect-repelling qualities. Termites can be discouraged by combining these oils with water and misting the resulting mixture over the afflicted regions. This environmentally friendly method creates a natural barrier without using dangerous chemicals.
7. DIY Cardboard Traps
Termites are drawn to the cellulose found in cardboard. Wet cardboard pieces to make homemade traps, then place them close to termite-infested regions. After the cardboard becomes infested with termites, remove and burn it to get rid of the vermin. Over time, termite populations can be decreased with the regular replacement of these traps.
8. Termite-Resistant Building Materials
When building or remodeling your home, choose building materials that are resistant to termites. Termites find treated wood, concrete and metal less enticing, therefore offering a preventative barrier against infestations. A long-term way to stop structural damage is to invest in termite-resistant materials.
9. Soil Barriers: Creating a Protective Zone
Put in soil barriers around your house. This entails applying termiticides to the soil to establish a barrier that keeps termites out of your property. This technique is frequently used by professional pest control organizations to stave off termite infestations.
10. Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Regular indoor and exterior house inspections are essential for early termite detection. Termites may be deterred from entering your house with routine care, which includes sealing leaks, quickly attending to water damage, and making sure there is adequate ventilation. Prompt action can stop small infestations from getting worse.
11. Termite-Resistant Plants
Using termite-resistant plants in your landscaping might serve as a deterrent. Several plant species naturally repel termites, such as marigolds, mint, and catnip. Planting them in strategic locations around your house can help create a termite-resistant environment.
12. Electronic Monitoring Systems
Examine cutting-edge technological solutions to find termite activity, such as electronic monitoring systems. These devices employ sensors to detect termite activity and can issue early alerts, enabling prompt repair before major harm is done.
How Can You Prevent Termites?
If you live in a place where termites are common, it’s best to avoid wooden furniture. However, if you still want wooden furniture, do your research as the furniture can be treated accordingly.
Keep your house clean, disinfecting can help, but it’s not a guarantee. Try to keep the wood dry and, most importantly, protect your water pipes. The insects live and reproduce there – and usually very quickly.
Eliminating termites is not easy and requires a lot of patience. However, if you remain consistent, they will eventually disappear. However, you have to react quickly before damage occurs that can no longer be repaired!
