Home Remedies for Termites

What kills termites instantly?

The best solution for a termite infestation is to call a professional pest control company. Professional exterminators have extensive experience, commercial-grade equipment & products, and enough experience to eradicate termite infestation. Additionally, professional exterminators know which chemicals to use and how to make the process safe for children, pets, and the owner.

What chemical kills termites?

You could use products like Orkin and Terminix to kill the termites instantly. The products contain various chemicals, including hexaflumuron and fipronil, designed and used as active ingredients in various liquid termiticide products. The products can kill the termites on contact if in high enough concentrations.

However, it would help if you took care since they are toxic and could harm you, your children, pets, and even plants. Remember, you should let trained professionals handle the process to avoid accidents.

What is the best natural termite killer?

What kills termites naturally? Borates are an excellent natural start when getting rid of termites. Most companies recommend using Boric acid when

eliminating termites. It is a natural pesticide in powder form that you can sprinkle on the infested area. Mix the powder with some water and spray it on the infested area.

Take caution when using boric acid and wear gloves, masks, and goggles when spraying the infested area. Boric acid works by dehydrating the termite. This helps gradually reduce the infestation by killing all termites it encounters.

Spray the product in places where the termites feed, inside and outside your home, for more effective results. You’ll know the product is working if you see termite carcasses nearby. Boric acid is not highly toxic and is safe for pets and children; however, you should take extra precautions to prevent accidents.

Does vinegar kill termites?

Vinegar does kill termites; however, it is not the ideal solution. Vinegar contains acetic acid, and you can use it as a home remedy to eliminate your termite infestation; however, it works best when sprayed directly on the termites. Vinegar is corrosive and affects a termite’s exoskeleton, killing them.

The product kills on contact and should be sprayed on the termites. Getting all the termites can be challenging with this strategy. However, you can immerse the entire termite colony in vinegar for better but more expensive results. This solution can help resolve your termite infestation problem, but it is a good start.

It would help if you used vinegar to stop a termite infestation within its initial stages. It’s best to use concentrated vinegar for the best results. Average to full-blown infestations require harsher measures and even professional services. Two types of vinegar you may use are apple cider and white vinegar.

How does vinegar kill termites?

Vinegar contains acetic acid, a corrosive compound that disintegrates the termites’ exoskeleton. Doing this injures the termites significantly and robes them of their protection. Combined, these two factors kill the termites, reducing their population. However, the vinegar should be in direct contact with the termites to kill them and be in high concentrations.

How should you use vinegar to kill termites?

Steps you need to follow when using vinegar involve:

• Squeeze three lemons into your container
• Add 5 ounces of vinegar to the container
• Mix the solution
• Pour it into a spray bottle and apply it to the affected place.

The vinegar destroys the termites’ exoskeleton, while the d-limonene disrupts their digestive system, making it more potent. You can also use olive oil instead of lemon. The solution is effective when applied directly on the termites; however, you should apply more robust solutions when removing a colony.

Does salt kill termites?

Subterranean termites are highly susceptible to dehydration, so they build mud tubes to help them keep cool and hydrated. Salt isn’t harmful to humans; it’s highly absorbent and can kill termites by pulling water out of their bodies and dehydrating them.

You should:

• Search for termite entry points. These include cracks in your home’s foundation & concrete slab and holes in masonry or the siding. It would be best if you also look for termites or their discarded wings.
• Next, mix water and salt in a 1:1 ratio in a quart jar. Stir the mixture until the water dissolves. The mixture should be highly concentrated for it to work. The termites will try to avoid salt or salty soil. Thus, the more salt you use, the better.
• Fill a syringe with the mixture and inject the water into the termite’s entry points. Pour the mixture around the soil surrounding the termites’ entry points. Termites that venture into the salt solution environment will get dehydrated and die. Spread the salt solution around your home to prevent the spread of the termites, and repeat the process until the termites are gone.

By itself, salt isn’t the only solution for eliminating termites. However, you can use it to control their spread and as a preventative measure if the termites have a small colony. One advantage of salt is its chemical-free nature, which is safer for you, your children, and your pets. You should seek services from experienced professionals.

Does Dawn soap kill termites?

Some commercially available soaps have insecticidal properties that target and affect an insect’s nervous system. However, you should still note that this is a short-term solution. All you need to make a termite deterrent is to add a few tablespoons of Dawn soap to a few cups of water and add the mixture to a spray bottle.

Next, make targeted sprays on visible termites, ensuring you get as many as possible. You can also make large quantities of the solution and pour it down the termites’ home (if you find their colony). Doing this will reduce their infestation, giving you enough time to get help from a professional. Note that you may have to dig a little.

A mixture of Dawn soap and water makes a seal around the termites’ bodies, blocking their breathing ability. This suffocates and kills them reducing their numbers. Also, the mixture damages the termite eggs’ outer shells, stopping them from hatching.

It would be best to spray the solution on soil and wood where the termites are most active. The termites will get caught in soapy water immediately. They move around and suffocate. Note that this isn’t a highly effective solution, and you must repeat the process, ensuring the area remains soaked.

Will Clorox kill termites?

Clorox is the most popular bleach brand on the market, and most customers wonder whether they can use it to kill termites. The answer is yes. You can use Clorox or any other brand of bleach to stop your termite infestation. Termites breathe through spiracles (tiny holes in their abdomen), and spraying them with Clorox kills them if absorbed through the breathing structures.

Bleach is an effective remedy when killing termites, you can see; however, it is not as effective for termites that have established a colony. For instance, you won’t be able to get rid of termites living on your house’s roof, floor, or walls.

Often, if you can see the termites, they’ve already established a colony and are present in their thousands. Take care when

using bleach to terminate your termites because it releases toxic fumes to pets and humans. Ensure you use a mask, safety goggles, and gloves.

Does hydrogen peroxide kill termites?

Hydrogen peroxide is an antibacterial agent that has several uses. For instance, you can use it to eliminate termites since the compound is toxic when absorbed by the termites. Hydrogen peroxide is an accepted alternative during fumigation services and would be a low-cost alternative for individuals who want to get rid of their termite infestation.

Hydrogen peroxide is a safer alternative since it disintegrates to form water and oxygen after use. This is a good alternative for people with many pets or those who don’t want to affect their home’s ecosystem. However, you should always seek services from trained and experienced professionals.

Conclusion

We at Gentry & Associates Termite Control have been in the industry for over 33 years and have 8.5 years of experience with our current company name. Our company was founded by Brett Gentry and has grown to become a trusted provider of wood repair and termite control services. We specialize in eliminating wood-destroying organisms and pests, and we are licensed in California as a branch three operator. We are proficient in tent fumigation & localized treatment, and you can trust us to protect your property and home from termites and other pests.