Exploring Ways How to Kill Termites At Home
Termites are tiny insects that thrive on wood, using it as their shelter and food source. Although you might think that they can’t do too much damage, termites can wreak havoc on your home, causing significant damage to its structure and putting you under financial strain.
Dealing with a termite infestation is something that nobody wants to experience. This is because similar to cancer, a termite infestation can lurk unnoticed, quietly devouring the integrity of your home’s structure. It manifests in subtle signs—tiny mud tunnels, telltale holes in wooden surfaces—only becoming noticeable once excessive damage has been done to your property.
In this article, we’ll discuss various ways to get rid of termites, starting from DIY termite control solutions to professional options. But first, let’s learn more about this pesky insect.
What are Termites?
You’ve probably heard of the term anay, but what are they? Anay or termites are social insects resembling ants that thrive in colonies often hidden within soil or wood. Feeding on cellulose-rich materials like wood and plant matter, they construct intricate nests and tunnels for protection and navigation.
Typically, termites possess soft bodies with straight antennae, often pale or translucent, and vary in size depending on their role within the colony. Renowned for their resilience, termites’ ability to swiftly adapt and reproduce makes them very difficult to get rid of. There are also different types of termites, which might need different termination solutions, which means learning how to kill termites at home by yourself can be challenging.
Strategies on How to Get Rid of Termites at Home
Now that you’re more familiar with your opponent, it’s time to learn about how to kill anay and protect your home from structural damage. Here are different termite solutions you can try:
#1 Apply Nematodes
Using nematodes for termite control offers an eco-friendly and effective solution to combat infestations, making it one of the best termite killers in the Philippines. These microscopic roundworms are natural predators of termites and have the same effects of bacterial infection in humans.
To use nematodes in learning how to get rid of termites permanently, simply sprinkle it onto the soil or area where you’ve seen termites. Once applied, nematodes will seek out termite larvae and adults, penetrating their bodies and releasing bacteria that quickly kill the pests. This biological control method targets termites without harming other beneficial organisms in your home or the environment.
Nematodes are particularly advantageous for targeting termites in hard-to-reach areas, such as underground nests or within wooden structures. Additionally, they can be used in conjunction with other termite control methods for enhanced effectiveness.
As a bonus, not only do nematodes counteract termites, but also other insects. The substance ensures that your house remains not just termite-free, but bug-free as well!
#2 Use Boric Acid
Another DIY anti-termite solution is borax or boric acid. It is an effective way of getting rid of termites because of its toxicity to insects, including termites, while being relatively low in toxicity to humans and pets when used appropriately. It disrupts the termites’ digestive system, ultimately leading to their demise.
You can use boric acid as a treatment for termites by mixing it with propylene glycol. You can then pour this solution into damaged furniture and termite nests you may find. On the other hand, you can use boric acid in its powder form and sprinkle it around infested areas. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to wear gloves first, as boric acid is very potent and might cause skin irritations.
#3 Spray Orange Oil
Orange oil, derived from orange peels, is an environmentally friendly and effective anay treatment. This essential oil contains d-limonene, a compound known for its insecticidal properties. When applied to infested areas, orange oil suffocates and kills termites by preventing them from shedding their exoskeletons and growing. It also stops termites from reproducing.
You can use orange oil for localized termite treatments, such as spot treatments for drywood termite infestations. Its low toxicity to humans and pets makes it a safer alternative to traditional chemical pesticides.
To utilize orange oil as a termite treatment, mix two cups of water with a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. Then, add 9-12 drops of orange oil and shake well.
#4 Use White Vinegar
Another way to kill termites at home is by using wood vinegar. This product is often used in gardening to improve soil quality and aid with plant growth. It is also a non-toxic remedy, making it ideal for households with pets and small children.
Wood vinegar’s acidic nature and acetic acid content makes it effective against termites by disrupting their scent trails, communication, and pheromone signals, ultimately disorienting and deterring them. When sprayed directly on termite-infested areas, vinegar can kill termites on contact and act as a natural repellent, helping control infestations in your home.
#5 Contact Professional Termite Exterminators
Perhaps the best way to get rid of termites is to leave it to the professionals. Contacting exterminators to address the termite infestation provides you with access to a thorough and professional treatment that is tailored to the specific infestation in your home.
Exterminators possess expertise, specialized equipment, and access to effective pesticides not available to consumers. They conduct comprehensive inspections to identify the extent of the infestation and develop a customized treatment plan that will surely work. Additionally, exterminators offer warranties and follow-up inspections to ensure the complete eradication of termites and prevent future infestations on your property.
Attempting DIY treatments may not always effectively address the root cause or extent of the infestation, leading to recurring problems and potential structural damage. By entrusting the task to exterminators, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is in capable hands, with the infestation addressed promptly and effectively.
Work With a Professional Pest Control Company
The very first solution that you must find in order to get rid of termites for good is to hire a professional. This allows you to address the root cause of the infestation, preventing any further damage to your property.
If you’re still in search of a reliable pest control company in the Philippines, choose TopBest Pest Services. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to conducting thorough inspections, devising tailored treatment plans, and offering ongoing support to ensure complete termite eradication. With us, you’ll be sure to get rid of the pests in your home.