Termites can cause significant damage to homes and properties if left unchecked. They silently destroy wooden structures, flooring, and even walls, compromising the safety and stability of your home. This article will guide you through various DIY solutions to get rid of termites and prevent them from returning.
Additionally, we’ll discuss the types of termites, how to identify a termite infestation, and when it’s time to consider professional pest control services. While DIY methods can be effective for small termite issues, professional intervention may be necessary to tackle larger infestations.
Now, let’s find out what type of termite is infesting your home and how to actually identify a termite infestation.
Need help identifying and removing termites from your home? Contact professional termite exterminators today for a thorough inspection and effective treatment! Get a free estimate and protect your home from further damage.
You can identify a general termite infestation using the following visible signs as well.
For larger infestations, consider reaching out to a pest control service for a free estimate. Professionals can assess the extent of the problem and recommend a comprehensive termite elimination plan, ensuring the infestation is treated effectively and preventing future issues.
DIY Methods to Get Rid of Termites
If you’ve identified an infestation and want to try DIY termite treatment methods, here are some natural solutions that may help in getting rid of termites. However, keep in mind that DIY methods are usually only effective for smaller infestations.Orange Oil Treatment
Orange oil contains d-limonene, which is lethal to termites and effective to kill termites in smaller areas.
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
- Apply orange oil directly to areas where termites are active.
Step 2
- Soak cotton balls in orange oil and place them in affected areas.
Step 3
- Reapply every few days to ensure effectiveness.
WHY IT WORKS
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Lethal to Termites: The d-limonene in orange oil breaks down termite exoskeletons, killing them upon contact. -
Effective for Small Spaces: Works well for treating termites in wall voids or confined areas.
Note
Ensure to reapply orange oil regularly for sustained effectiveness.Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural powder that’s effective to treat termites. It acts as a physical barrier that damages termites’ exoskeletons, causing dehydration and death.
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around termite-prone areas, such as foundations, attics, and crawl spaces.
Step 2
- Reapply after cleaning or if it becomes wet, as DE is less effective when moist.
WHY IT WORKS
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Damages Exoskeleton: Diatomaceous earth absorbs oils and fats from termites’ exoskeletons, leading to dehydration and death.
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Natural and Effective: Provides a chemical-free solution to kill termites naturally.
Note
Reapply diatomaceous earth if it becomes wet or after cleaning for continued effectiveness.Vinegar and Lemon Juice Solution
This DIY solution is effective for how to kill termites in localized areas without using chemicals.
INGREDIENTS
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½ cup of white vinegar
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Juice of 2 lemons
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Spray bottle
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
- Mix the vinegar and lemon juice in a spray bottle.
Step 2
- Shake well and spray the solution in areas where termites are active, such as along baseboards, infested wood, or mud tubes.
Step 3
- Reapply daily until you see a decrease in termite activity.
WHY IT WORKS
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Breaks Down Exoskeleton: The acidity of vinegar and lemon juice helps break down the termite’s outer shell, ultimately killing them over time.
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Localized Treatment: Ideal for treating termites in walls or other small, infested areas without chemicals.
Note
Reapply the solution daily until termite activity decreases for the best results.Neem Oil Treatment
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that disrupts termites' feeding and reproduction, providing a sustainable solution for getting rid of termites.
INGREDIENTS
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Pure neem oil
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Spray bottle
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
- Pour neem oil into a spray bottle.
Step 2
- Spray neem oil in areas where termites are active, focusing on wood and infested structures.
Step 3
- Repeat every few days to ensure continued effectiveness.
WHY IT WORKS
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Disrupts Hormonal Balance: Neem oil disrupts termites’ hormonal balance, reducing their ability to reproduce and feed effectively.
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Slow-Acting Killer: Works gradually to eliminate termites, making it suitable for sustainable termite control over time.
Note
Repeat the application every few days to maintain effectiveness against termites.Sunlight Exposure
Expose infested furniture or wood structures to direct sunlight for a few days to kill termites naturally.
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
- Take infested furniture or small wooden items outside and place them in direct sunlight.
Step 2
- Leave them out for 2–3 days, rotating them to ensure all areas are exposed.
WHY IT WORKS
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Sunlight and Heat: Termites cannot survive prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat, effectively killing them naturally.
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Eliminates Moisture: Drying out the wood also eliminates the damp conditions termites need to thrive.
Note
This method works best in areas with consistent sunlight and low humidity.Types of Termites and How to Identify Them
Understanding the different types of termites that could be infesting your home is crucial for choosing the right termite treatment.Subterranean Termites
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Appearance: Small and cream-colored to dark brown, subterranean termites live in colonies underground. -
Habitat and Behavior: They require constant moisture, which is why they construct mud tubes to protect themselves while moving between their nests and food sources.
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Signs of Infestation: Mud tubes along walls or foundations are a clear indicator of a subterranean termite infestation. Tapping on wooden structures that sound hollow may also indicate damage.
Drywood Termites
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Appearance: Light brown or white, slightly larger than subterranean termites.
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Habitat and Behavior: Drywood termites do not need soil contact, so they can infest furniture, roof structures, and dry wooden frameworks.
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Signs of Infestation: You might notice wood-colored droppings (frass) near infested areas. Wood that sounds hollow or feels weak can also indicate drywood termite activity.
Dampwood Termites
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Appearance: Larger than other termites, dampwood termites are light brown and require damp conditions to thrive.
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Habitat and Behavior: They are often found in water-damaged wood, such as basements or wooden structures in contact with soil.
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Signs of Infestation: Dampwood termite damage is often localized to areas with moisture issues. Their presence may also cause a musty odor due to the wood’s increased moisture content.
Need help identifying and removing termites from your home? Contact professional termite exterminators today for a thorough inspection and effective treatment! Get a free estimate and protect your home from further damage.
You can identify a general termite infestation using the following visible signs as well.
How to Identify a Termite Infestation
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Mud Tubes – Subterranean termites create mud tubes along walls or foundations as a protective tunnel. These tubes are a clear sign of termites moving from their underground nest to feed.
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Hollow-Sounding Wood – Termites eat wood from the inside out. Tap wooden surfaces, and if they sound hollow, it could mean termites are inside.
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Frass (Droppings) – Drywood termites leave behind small piles of pellets (frass) that resemble wood shavings or sawdust, which is a telltale sign of their presence.
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Swarmers or Discarded Wings – During mating season, winged termites (swarmers) leave their nest to form new colonies. If you see discarded wings near windowsills or doors, it could mean there’s an active termite colony nearby.
Targeted DIY Treatments for Different Termite Species
To effectively tackle termites in your home, it’s crucial to understand the specific species you’re dealing with, as each type has unique behaviors and vulnerabilities. Here are tailored DIY termite treatment suggestions based on subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites.
DIY Methods To Get Rid of Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites live in the soil and need constant contact with moisture, making them one of the most challenging species to eliminate. They build mud tubes to reach food sources and often cause extensive structural damage. Here are a few methods that can be effective for getting rid of subterranean termites.Beneficial Nematodes
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Subterranean termites often have colonies in the soil, making nematodes an effective solution.
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Microscopic worms hunt and kill termites by entering their bodies and releasing bacteria.
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Application: Mix nematodes with water and spray them in the soil around your home, especially near termite mud tubes and visible signs of activity.
Diatomaceous Earth
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Diatomaceous earth acts as a physical barrier that dehydrates termites, killing them over time.
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Effective for treating areas where subterranean termites emerge from the ground.
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Application: Spread diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home and in areas where you see mud tubes to help protect your home from further termite invasions.
Borax Solution
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Borax disrupts the digestive systems of subterranean termites and can act as a bait.
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Application: Mix borax powder with water and pour it around the foundation of your home.
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Application: Inject the solution directly into mud tubes if they’re accessible.
DIY Methods To Get Rid of Drywood Termites
Drywood termites don’t require contact with soil or high moisture levels. They live directly inside dry wood, such as furniture, beams, or other wood structures, and can be difficult to detect. Here are some treatments well-suited for drywood termites.Orange Oil Treatment
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Orange oil contains d-limonene, which is lethal to drywood termites.
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This oil can penetrate wood, making it effective in targeting termites within infested wooden structures.
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Application: Drill small holes into the infested wood and inject orange oil into these holes.
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Application: Reapply as needed for thorough coverage.
Boric Acid
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Boric acid can be highly effective for drywood termites by disrupting their nervous systems.
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Application: Create boric acid bait by mixing it with sugar and water, then applying it directly to infested areas.
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Application: Alternatively, inject boric acid powder into infested wood to kill termites within.
Sunlight Exposure
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Drywood termites are sensitive to heat and light, making sunlight exposure a simple, non-toxic method for small items like furniture.
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Application: Take infested furniture or wooden items outside and place them in direct sunlight for 2–3 days. This will help kill termites hiding in the wood.
DIY Methods To Get Rid of Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites require high moisture levels and are typically found in damp wood, often near areas with plumbing leaks or poor drainage. Unlike other termite species, they are generally larger and thrive in wet environments, making them particularly damaging to wood in humid conditions.Saltwater Solution
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Salt dehydrates termites and is effective in targeting dampwood termites.
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Application: Mix a saltwater solution and inject it into areas where you see termite activity, such as damp wood in basements or bathrooms. This is especially useful if the wood is exposed or easy to access.
Vinegar and Lemon Juice Solution
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The acidity of vinegar and lemon juice can kill dampwood termites by breaking down their outer shells.
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Application: Mix equal parts white vinegar and lemon juice in a spray bottle and apply it to infested areas. Repeat every few days to maintain effectiveness.
Fix Moisture Issues
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Reducing moisture levels is essential for getting rid of dampwood termites and preventing future infestations.
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Application: Repair leaks, improve ventilation, and ensure that wood isn’t in direct contact with soil. This will make the environment less suitable for dampwood termites.
General Prevention Tips for All Termite Types
Once you’ve addressed the termite problem, it’s crucial to implement preventive measures to avoid future infestations. Here are some preventive tips suitable for all termite types:Termite Prevention Tips
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Reduce Moisture Levels: Termites, especially subterranean and dampwood species, are attracted to moisture. Fix leaks, improve ventilation in crawl spaces and basements, and use a dehumidifier if necessary.
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Seal Entry Points: Ensure that there are no gaps or cracks in your home’s foundation, around windows, or other entry points. This is especially important for subterranean termites that can enter through soil-based cracks.
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Use Treated Wood: When building or repairing, opt for pressure-treated wood, which is less attractive to termites. This is particularly effective against drywood termites.
Are DIY Methods Enough To Remove Termite Infestation?
While these DIY termite treatments are effective for smaller termite problems, they might not be enough for a severe termite infestation. Large colonies, particularly those involving subterranean termites, are often difficult to reach and require professional treatment.When to Call a Professional
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Persistent Infestations: If you’re dealing with recurring infestations, it’s best to consult a professional. They have access to specialized treatments that are more effective for long-term control.
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Extensive Damage: If you see structural damage, it’s likely that termites have been active for a while, and DIY solutions may not be sufficient.
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Hidden Colonies: Subterranean termites can be challenging to locate and eliminate without professional-grade equipment and techniques.
