Termites are stubborn, but you can get rid of them.
Termites find their way into homes and structures all over the world. Before you even know it, the termites may have caused extensive damage to your home's structure. Knowing home remedies to treat and keep termites away can prevent catastrophic consequences.
Sodium Borate
Sodium borate is a less refined form of boric acid. This type of treatment has been popular since the 1990s and is effective because it attacks the bacterial protozoa found in the termite's stomach. The protozoa are responsible for processing food, giving the termite energy. When the termites ingest the sodium borate they are unable to digest food, so they literally starve to death, killing off the entire colony over time.
Sodium borate is sold under many different names, such as Timbor. You simply mix one pound of the Timbor with one gallon of water and then spray with a hand sprayer or apply with a paint brush to all accessible wood surfaces of the home, such as joists and wall studs. It's important to saturate the wood as much as possible to achieve protection against further termite damage.
Grape Jelly and Boric Acid Combination
One of the most common home remedies is the combination of boric acid, grape jelly, and then usually another product such as canned cat or dog food. Mix four tablespoons grape jelly, three tablespoons canned cat food, and one table spoon boric acid. Simply place a teaspoon in the areas where the termites are nesting or entering your home and over time the worker termites will bring the combination back to the rest of the colony, causing them all to starve to death due to the ingestion of the boric acid.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can also be used to rid the home of termites. Vetiver oil and clove bud oil are particularly effective. Vetiver oil is only good if you do not yet have termites or want to prevent new infestations. The clove bud oil will actually kill the termites. Simply put the oil into a mister and spray old and damp wood around your home or where you think the termites are living.
Aloe
If you can see the termites you may be able to kill them on contact with aloe, although this remedy needs to be paired with others to ensure that the entire termite colony is destroyed. To use aloe you simply crush the entire plant and then soak in enough water to cover the plant. After several hours strain and add one part aloe to five parts water into a mist sprayer and spray directly on the termites.
Preventing New Infestations
Termites love houses because they are a rich supply of wood. After you have treated your home for termites and have killed off the colony you should work to prevent further infestation. Trim shrubbery back from your home, keep trees from hanging on your roof, repair any cracks in the foundation of your home, keep your crawlspace dry, and store firewood away from the home.
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