Termites don’t represent a danger to humans. It’s very rare for a termite to bite a human and, even if they do, it’s highly unlikely that they’ll break your skin.
However, they are very effective at eating wood. Experts estimate the average termite colony can devour a foot of 2×4 wood in just 5-6 months. This may not sound like a lot but losing even half an inch from half a dozen structural pieces of wood in your home is going to give you problems.
The first sign that you have a problem is usually seeing a termite inside your home. If you see one that means there are already plenty more. You may also notice the small holes they make in the wood. Or, you’ll notice a collection of wings. This is when the termites leave the nest to create new nests. An abundance of insect wings generally means they are building a colony nearby it may result in two or more colonies under your home.
That’s why you need to understand the following five simple and effective ways to kill termites naturally.
1. The Termite Bait Trap
Termite bait traps are an excellent way to kill a colony off while doing very little. The idea is that you place a trap where you know the termites go. In the trap is cellulose-based food, that the termites live. They will take it back to the colony and mark the place as a good spot to locate food.
After a few days, you can swap the good food for poison. The termites will carry this back to their nest and are likely to kill all the other termites. This is because only a few termites get food and bring it back to the nest. Poisoning their food ensures all the termites are poisoned.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar is actually one of the most powerful substances on the planet. It can be used to wipe down surfaces, effectively killing bacteria. It can also be used with the juice from two lemons to create a termite killer. Simply add it to a spray bottle and then spray the areas you’ve seen termites.
It does help to find the nest to ensure the termites are targeted effectively.
3. Orange Oil
Essential oils are generally very good at keeping pests away from your home. Orange oil is created from the skin of the orange. It’s high in d-limonene, a substance that kills termites almost instantly. The orange oil dissolves their external skeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.
You can spray areas where you’ve seen them and even create a protective perimeter around your home.
4. Sunlight
This is possibly the most natural alternative possible. Termites hate sunlight, excessive exposure can actually kill them.
If you have termite-infested furniture you can put it outside in the sunshine for the day, it will kill the termites. Under your house, you’ll find it easier to use UV lights.
5. Sodium Borate
This is generally referred to as borax powder and kills termites, as well as other insects, very efficiently. Simply sprinkle it around the areas where you think you have termites and wait. They will walk on it and then they’ll start to dehydrate and die.