4 Natural Termite Treatment Methods
If you've discovered termites around your home, it's natural to look for a DIY solution before calling a professional. While some natural termite treatments may help reduce activity in small, isolated areas, they typically won't eliminate an established colony. In this blog, we'll cover four natural termite treatment methods, when they're appropriate, and when it's time to call a professional.
Do Natural Termite Treatments Really Work?
The short answer is yes, but only in certain situations. Natural termite treatments may help manage small areas of termite activity, but they aren't a complete solution for most infestations. Because termites often stay hidden inside wood or underground, professional treatment is usually the most effective way to eliminate the entire colony and protect your home from additional damage.
Natural Termite Treatment Quick Facts
- Natural treatments may help reduce small or localized termite activity.
- DIY methods usually cannot reach termites hidden inside walls, foundations, or underground colonies.
- Moisture control and regular home maintenance can help make your property less attractive to termites.
- Early detection can help limit structural damage and costly repairs.
- A professional termite inspection is the best way to determine the size and location of an infestation.
- Established termite colonies typically require professional treatment for reliable, long-term control.
Before trying any natural termite treatment, it's important to understand how each method works and when it's most effective.
1. Can Beneficial Nematodes Kill Termites?
Yes. Beneficial nematodes can help kill termites living in the soil, making them an effective natural treatment for certain outdoor infestations. These microscopic worms seek out termites underground and release bacteria that kill their hosts. They can be introduced into active colonies around your home and are widely available online and at many garden or home improvement stores.
Nematodes can tackle your termite problem without introducing another pest problem to your home and without presenting other safety issues. The chemicals used to treat termites can be harmful to your family and pets, so many people have concerns about using them.
2. Can Sunlight Kill Termites?
Yes, but only if the termites are directly exposed to sunlight. Termites avoid light and thrive in dark, moist environments. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can kill them, making sunlight a natural option for treating small, exposed infestations. If you find a termite nest near your home, you can bust it open to expose the pests to the sun. You can also carry logs, furniture, or other infested items into an area of your yard that gets direct sunlight, thereby killing the termites and preventing their spread into your home.
If you find termites already in your home, you can’t exactly cut out the wall and haul it into the middle of your yard. But you can rent or buy UV lamps that have the same effect as the sun’s rays and shine the lamps toward the infestation. If the termites go deeper into the home, you may not be able to reach them all, so sunlight can’t be an effective solution for total eradication in some cases.
3. Do Orange Oil and Neem Oil Work?
Yes. Orange oil and neem oil can help treat localized termite activity, particularly drywood termites, but they won't eliminate an entire hidden colony. Orange oil contains d-limonene, a naturally occurring compound that can kill termites on contact, making it a useful treatment for localized drywood termite activity.
You can also use neem oil to treat termites. You have to apply the oil to the affected area and then wait for the termites to chew up the wood with the oil on it. Once termites ingest the treated wood, the neem oil disrupts their ability to feed and survive. Multiple applications may be needed for localized infestations.
4. Can Borax Kill Termites?
Yes. Borax can kill termites that come into contact with treated wood, but it is generally most effective for localized infestations and preventative applications. Borax powder, also known as sodium borate, can be applied directly to affected areas or mixed with water to create a solution for treating exposed wood.
Borax solutions can also be applied to untreated wood during construction or home improvement projects to help discourage future termite activity.
How Do You Know if a DIY Termite Treatment Worked?
Even if termite activity seems to slow down, that doesn't always mean the colony is gone. Termites often remain hidden behind walls or underground, making it difficult to know if a DIY treatment reached the source of the infestation. Continue checking for signs of termites over the following weeks, and don't hesitate to schedule a professional inspection if you notice new activity or have concerns about your home's protection.
When DIY Treatments Aren't Enough
Natural termite treatments may help slow termite activity, but they shouldn't be relied on as the only solution. Because termites often remain hidden behind walls or below ground, infestations can continue to grow even when surface activity appears to improve. A professional inspection can determine whether termites have spread beyond what DIY methods can effectively treat.
Professional Termite Inspection & Treatment
At Varsity, we understand that every termite infestation is different. Our team will inspect your home, identify the source of the problem, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your property. We'll also provide practical prevention tips to help protect your home from termites year-round. Whether you've noticed signs of termites or simply want peace of mind, we're here to help protect your home from costly termite damage. Contact Varsity today to schedule a professional termite inspection and protect your home from future termite damage.
