Tips in Getting Rid of Termites Naturally

We often call termites as the silent destroyer. We may not see them in our house but they may be there hiding and thriving in our yard, basement, floor, shelves, and other parts of our house. They are capable of destroying a house’s foundation, wooden furniture, books, carpets, and shelves. Oftentimes, we cannot see the immediate signs of damage they cause but this does not mean that they don’t exist. Many homeowners already spend thousands of dollars on home repair due to termite infestation. That is why it is important to keep them away and ensure that they will not thrive in our homes.

There are simple ways on how you can deter termites and make your home less attractive to them:

1. Fix any moisture problem in your home. This includes leaking water pipes, faucets, and air conditioning units. Get rid also of any standing water near your home or on the roof. Remove also excessive wood mulch especially near your house and keep all vents clean.

2. Eliminate all their food sources. Keep the surroundings of your house free from lumber, firewood, paper, stumps, and debris. Install screens on outdoor vents. Check also any wooden parts of your home from damage. If possible, wooden parts should not come in contact with the soil.

3. If you are building a house or a new structure that requires the use of wood, use termite-resistant wood such as black walnut, redwood, or cypress wood. These woods naturally deter termites.

Doing the abovementioned procedures may only make your house less prone to termites. But there is still a possibility of termite infestation. In that case, early detection is important.

Here are the signs or indications of termite infestation:

• Wooden materials that sound hollow when you tap them
• Mud tubes (dark brown in color) on walls, crawl spaces, and wooden beams
• Presence of cracked paint
• Presence of temporary swarm of insects with wings in your home

If you have these signs, there is a bigger chance that your house is already infested with termites. Once detected, make a way to eliminate termites immediately.

There are several ways to get rid or deter termites naturally.

1. Nematode Treatment

Nematodes are parasitic worms best known for treating termite infestations. Nematodes are readily available in many farm or garden supply stores. They can be used to effectively kill off termite colonies by adding water to a packet of nematodes and pouring it directly on the termite colony or nest.

2. Rubber Mulch

Use rubber mulch in your garden and around trees to prevent the termites from travelling on the soil. Rubber mulches are termite-resistant and deter termites from travelling to your house through them.

3. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a sedimentary rock that naturally exists in the form of white powder. DE has absorption properties which can dehydrate termites and kill them. To use DE, apply a generous amount of the powder around your house’s foundation, crevices, baseboards, or any wooden surface prone to termites.

Getting rid of termites does require effort and patience on your part. But it is better than spending thousands of dollars on house repairs by allowing termites to infest your home.