Home Remedies For Termites

Types

There are two main types of termites: the subterranean termite and the drywood termite. While some termites destroy wood slowly over time, other termite populations can cause serious damage rather quickly. The subterranean termite is the most common type of termite in the U.S., as well as the most harmful. Because subterranean termites tunnel under moist soil, they are not always visible; and therefore, can eat away at wood, causing damage without a homeowner even knowing it.
Drywood termites leave behind more visible evidence of their presence. You can usually find them swarming around openings in infested wood, especially after rain. If you see a trail of fine powder resembling sawdust, or notice cracked or bubbling paint, you may have drywood termites. While there is some debate as to the effectiveness of chemical versus natural, environmentally friendly termite treatments, success depends on the genus of termite; whether the soil around the home is wet; type of building construction; and kind of insulating materials used in the home.

Termites can enter through wooden floorboards, around the foundation of a home, or any openings where plumbing or other utility lines enter the house. Electric meter boxes and around circuit breaker boxes are common entry points. There are chemicals available at home and garden stores for treating termites without calling in a professional exterminator. However, self-treatment can end up being expensive, too, as it may take several treatments, and you need to treat all the areas of your home where termites could do damage. The important thing is not to put it off. If you wait, you could end up having to make repairs, which could cost you even more. Another consideration is to treat active termite colonies as quickly as possible to prevent them from infesting your neighbors' homes.

Since termites thrive in damp, humid environments, you need to eliminate moisture from around your home. Any moist soil should be moved away. Landscaping is one way to prevent water from building up around the home's foundation. Keep mulch, shrubs, and other vegetation at least six inches away from the foundation. Position rain gutters and downspouts to carry water away from the home's foundation. Repair leaky faucets or other plumbing immediately, especially outdoor faucets. Elevate wood porches and decks rather than building them in direct contact with the ground. For these kinds of projects, use only pressure-treated wood or naturally termite resistant woods such as redwood, cedar, or juniper.
Keep in mind that if you try treating termites yourself, some insecticides are extremely toxic and leave behind residue that can last for years. Fortunately, there are more non-toxic treatments now available.

Whether you choose a home remedy for treating termites or seek the assistance of professionals, remember that termites seek food sources, attacking wood structures from inside. If you suspect that you might have termites without any visible evidence, act immediately. Inspecting your house on a regular basis and taking preventive measures can help to reduce the risk of termites. Chemical treatments are often not enough to get rid of a serious termite problem permanently and can leach into the soil, contaminating ground water, thus presenting hazards to human health. Natural remedies for termite control are becoming increasingly preferable. When considering any new construction, build wood structures at least 18 inches off the ground. Subterranean termites don't like light and air, and while they are attracted to rotting wood, they must tunnel through moist soil to get to it.

When it comes to termites, prevention is the most cost effective means of control. Stack firewood off the ground, away from your home. Seal any possible entry points, repairing any cracks in the home's foundation or splits in wood porches or decks. Routinely check the foundation around your home. Termites are usually easier to detect between the months of March and May when the soil is moist. Early spring is the best time to keep a close eye out for any signs of termite infestation. Prune back shrubbery or trees away from your home's foundation. Apply an all weather wood sealer to any wood exposed to moisture. Another option is to dissolve boric acid in water and paint it onto wood surfaces.

Professional termite control specialists recommend two basic treatments. Liquid termite treatments, or pesticides, can be sprayed around a home's foundation. This method either repels or kills termites coming into contact with the chemical. Another treatment option is to place termite bait stations around the home. Although this is a slower process, termites carry the pesticide to other members in the colony. A more environmentally friendly alternative is to use citrus-based cleaners to wipe around wood baseboards and other areas previously infested by termites. Another eco-friendly alternative is to add an ounce of citrus oil to a gallon of warm water and then spray the mixture directly onto wood surfaces.

Increasing the strength of a chemical treatment will not necessarily improve its termite control. Another popular misconception is that if you have plenty of wood outside of your home, it will keep termites from infesting your home. The truth is this only breeds new termite colonies, which means that termites are eventually going to tunnel their way inside.