9 Natural Home Remedies to Get Rid of Termites

Termites are troublemakers and can hit your wallet hard. They make babies and build homes in wood, furniture, and other parts of your house, wrecking things along the way. They can cause fires and wreck your property’s structure. Just the thought of having them around can be super annoying. You might spot termites in your house if you notice discolored drywall or tiny holes, paint peeling like it’s wet, squeaky floorboards, termite droppings, termite wings, or mud tubes on your foundation. If you see a few of these signs, you probably have some termites around, and it’s crucial to act quickly before they cause big problems. If you want to get rid of termites naturally, check out our list below.

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Termites

Do you want to know what kills termites naturally? Discover effective methods for eliminating termites using natural solutions.

Salt

You can use salt to kill termites by drying them out until they die. Just mix salt and warm water in a jar, then fill a syringe halfway and inject the salty water into entry or exit spots where you’ve seen termites. You can also use this mixture around your house to stop termites from coming in. It might not kill all of them, but it’s good for stopping a small infestation.

Boric Acid

Boric acid is a natural way to get rid of termites without killing them right away. When termites eat it, they can’t get nutrients from their food anymore. You can find boric acid as a powder, and you can spray it directly or mix it with water. Remember to wear a mask and goggles and be careful, especially around kids. It’s best to use it outside, but if you have to use it indoors, mix one teaspoon with one cup of warm water in a spray bottle. Shake it up until it’s mixed, then spray where needed. Keep doing this for about a week and see how it works.

Cayenne Pepper

Capsaicin is what makes chili peppers spicy, and it can also kill termites by messing up their nerves. That’s why cayenne pepper is great for getting rid of termites. For a small number of termites, mix vegetable oil and pepper into a paste and put it on the affected spots for a few days. Try this for about 4-5 days and see if it helps.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a special kind of sand made from fossilized algae. It has many uses and is even good for health, but it can also kill termites. DE is safe for humans but deadly for pests. The tiny, sharp edges of the particles cut through termites’ outer layers, letting moisture escape. DE then absorbs this moisture, drying out and killing the termites.

White Vinegar

Mix the juice of 2 lemons with 1/2 cup of vinegar and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray this mixture into termite mud holes, directly on termite mounds, or on wooden structures and corners where termites might enter. The lemon and vinegar will seep into cracks and kill the termites. Repeat this for a few days and check regularly to see how well it’s working.

Nematodes

Nematodes, also known as roundworms, are tiny creatures that can fight off pests like termites. They kill termites by injecting harmful germs or parasitizing them. These worms are safe for wood, humans, and pets, and they die after their job is done. To use nematodes, mix them in a large bucket of water, then fill a spray bottle halfway and spray the infested area. The nematodes will spread as the water soaks into the wood. Spray once a day. Make sure to get the right type of nematodes for termites by doing some research first.

Cardboard Bait System 

There are many ways to make termite traps, but a simple method is to use cardboard. Place pieces of cardboard in the areas where termites are most active and wait for them to gather. Once infested, remove the cardboard and burn it to kill the termites. This isn’t a one-time solution, so repeat the process several times. For best results, use this method along with professional pest control treatments.

Orange Oil

Orange oil from orange rinds contains D-limonene, which kills termites but is safe for humans and pets. It’s best for early infestations and only works where the oil is applied. To use, drill holes and apply the oil to affected areas or mud tubes. You may need to repeat this in different spots. While great for above-ground termites, you’ll need other methods for underground infestations.

Neem Oil

For centuries, neem oil has been a popular pesticide in India, where neem trees are common. This oil messes up the termite reproductive system, making them forget to eat and mate, which stops them from laying eggs and multiplying. It also has a strong smell that termites hate, so they avoid treated areas.

To make your own neem oil spray, get raw neem oil and mix it with light liquid soap. Use 5mL of neem oil, 2mL of liquid soap, and 1 liter of water. Add the soap first, then the neem oil. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it quickly, as it starts to break down after about 8 hours.

If you’re pregnant, be extra cautious and consult a doctor before using neem oil.

Choose the Best Home Remedy to Finally Get Rid of Termites

These treatments work best for small, isolated termite problems, like a new infestation in a piece of furniture or a pile of firewood. However, they are not likely to be effective for termites in your home.

Termites can quickly burrow into hidden spaces that are hard to reach. Because it’s tough to know how severe the infestation is or how much damage is being done, it’s always best to call a professional termite exterminator.