You can’t see them but that doesn’t mean they can’t hurt you. Or your walls. Or your furniture. We’re talking about termites, a species of pests that don’t harm humans much, but our homes. Lakhs of rupees are spent each year in damage control due to termite issues. So, we thought it might be helpful to hand out a few termite control methods that one can adopt himself/herself. DIY (Do-It-Yourself) isn’t always the solution. However, it can help if you spot the problem in the early stages.
Top 4 Signs of Termite Infestation
Before proceeding with any DIY termite control measures, it is important to identify the signs of a termite infestation. Look for the following indicators:
- Mud tubes: Termites construct mud tubes to provide them with moisture while they travel between their nests and food sources.
- Discarded wings: Flying termites, also known as swarmers, shed their wings after finding a suitable location for a new colony.
- Hollow-sounding wood: Tap on wooden surfaces to check for hollowness, which may indicate termite damage.
- Frass: Termite droppings, called frass, resemble small pellets and are a sign of an infestation.
5 Best DIY Termite Control Tips for Your Home
1. Aloe Vera Gel
This is the easiest and simplest way to go about DIY termite pest control. Apart from having hundreds of medicinal advantages, aloe vera gel is also used to save your wooden furniture. Pick up the gel from a store or just crush aloe vera and remove the gel. Apply it over your furniture and this will create a barrier that termites cannot cross. Termites will still exist at home, but they won’t hurt your furniture.
2. Soil Treatment
This is a slightly tougher job that may need professional help. Basically, a trench is dug around your home and property. Since termites come from the soil, it’s best to do a termite treatment there first. Once dug, it is filled with termite pesticides, which you can get at home improvement stores. The soil is then filled in again. The pesticides will kill existing termites and also those who return to the soil to nest.
3. Wood Treatment
Again, this method may require some amounts of help. Wood treatments usually include surface sprays, injected sprays and foams, while also including Borate treated wood. The Borate treated wood is usually used by pest control professionals. While this termite control method is handy, it must be used at the time of construction and home building.
4. Bait Systems
You can do this yourself. Or get professional help for the same. Since termites are attracted to cellulose items, you can use wet cardboard for the same. Place a few pieces of wet cardboard at strategic places in the house or around the perimeter. Leave it for a while and see how effective this is as a termite control method. It will attract termites and once they are on the cardboard, make sure you discard of it properly. Discard it away from the house, so there are no chances of termites returning. Bait systems can also be used by professional pest controllers using chemicals instead of cardboard.
5. Orange Oil
Orange oil is a natural and eco friendly DIY termite control method that can be highly effective when used properly. Orange oil is extracted from the peels of oranges and contains a chemical called d-limonene, which is toxic to termites. To use orange oil simply apply it to the areas where termites are present using a spray bottle or dropper. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask when handling orange oil as it can be harmful if ingested or inhaled.
HiCare: Best Termite Control Service Provider
While you can try all the best DIY termite control methods, call the professionals if there’s an infestation. No one knows how to handle termites better than the bug busters themselves. HiCare is India’s best pest control and home hygiene brand. Also, our termite treatment package is a bestseller. This is for multiple reasons, the major one being the success rate of our ‘Drill-Fill-Seal’ technique. Here, we drill holes at strategic points in the walls, fill them with TERMIN-8 solution and seal up the holes again. This kills existing termites at home, while HiCare also uses the right chemicals to restore the health of your furniture. All this and more begins at just INR 4,500 for a 1 BHK apartment. What’s better is that we offer EMI options and 10% discount on online payments. The sweetest part of the deal is that there’s warranty. After we finish our service, if you see the termites around, call us. We’ll settle the issue without any added costs. Call us on 08828333888 right away! Or check out our services on HiCare.
Frequently Asked Questions about Termites
1. How do I get rid of termites in my house naturally?
To get rid of termites naturally, you can try the following methods:
1. Cardboard Traps: Wet cardboard and place it near termite activity areas. Once infested, dispose of it by burning or soaking in water.
2. Nematodes: Apply beneficial nematodes, available at garden supply stores, to the soil around the infested area. Nematodes prey on termites naturally.
3. Boric Acid: Create a paste using boric acid and water and apply it to termite-infested areas. The termites will carry the acid back to their colony, eliminating them.
4. Orange Oil: Inject orange oil into termite galleries and drill holes into infested wood. Orange oil contains D-limonene, which is toxic to termites.
2. What is the best homemade termite killer?
Boric acid is often considered one of the best homemade termite killers. Mix boric acid powder with water to create a paste and apply it to termite-infested areas. The termites will carry the acid back to their colony, effectively eliminating the entire population.
3. What is the best termite control method?
The best termite control method depends on the severity of the infestation. In some cases, professional assistance may be necessary. However, a combination of preventive measures, regular inspections, and early detection can be effective. Consult with a licensed pest control professional to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
4. How effective is DIY termite treatment?
DIY termite treatment can be effective for small, localized infestations. However, it's important to note that termites can be persistent and challenging to eliminate completely. DIY treatments may not be sufficient for severe or widespread infestations. It's recommended to consult with a professional pest control service for a thorough assessment and appropriate treatment.
5. How do I permanently control termites?
Controlling termites permanently requires a comprehensive approach. Here are some steps to consider:
1. Regular Inspections: Conduct routine inspections to detect early signs of termite activity.
2. Moisture Control: Address any moisture issues in and around your home, as termites are attracted to damp environments.
3. Remove Wood-to-Ground Contact: Keep wooden structures elevated and away from direct contact with the ground.
4. Termite-Resistant Materials: Consider using termite-resistant materials when building or renovating.
5. Professional Assistance: For severe infestations or long-term control, consult with a licensed pest control professional who can recommend effective treatment options tailored to your situation.