Termite problems are one of the worst things homeowners can imagine, but they are also very common, so common that termites cost American homeowners more than $5 billion each year. Professional termite treatment can be costly, so many homeowners seek home remedies to deal with these destructive pests.

Unfortunately, home remedies are rarely an effective solution, and while professional services can be costly, damage resulting from inadequate elimination attempts is even more so, so it’s recommended that homeowners simply hire professionals. However, home remedies can be used to minimize or prevent the spread of termites until a professional exterminator can provide treatment. Once you’ve scheduled your appointment with a professional pest control service, try these home remedies to keep your termites under control while you wait for help.

Essential Oils

There are a number of essential oils, including orange oil, neem oil, clove oil, and garlic oil that are toxic to termites. Essential oils are commonly used because they are nontoxic to humans, most pets, and therefore are very safe to use around most homes. To use these oils to treat termite problems, simply apply one or more of the essential oils to a cotton ball, then apply generously to the termite infested area. Reapply every few days.

Sunlight

While sunlight obviously isn’t a possible solution for all termite infestations, it can be helpful for furniture and other items that can be placed in the sun. Simply move the item outside and into direct sunlight, then leave it for three to five days.

Boric Acid

This household substance also called sodium borate, and is commonly known by the brand name Borax. While it’s a great cleaning product for humans, for termites it’s a neurotoxin. Boric acid shuts down termites’ nervous systems and dries them out. To treat a termite infestation, liberally coat infested areas with the powder. Alternatively, you can create a spray by mixing a teaspoon of boric acid with a cup of hot water, then spray every other day. You can also use this spray every so often to prevent termite infestations.

Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a commonly recommended pest control solution because it can be so helpful. This seemingly powdery substance is abrasive, and cuts the outer shell of termites, causing them to dehydrate and die. For this reason, it can damage lungs, so a mask should always be worn while using diatomaceous earth. To use, sprinkle a thin layer over infested areas every day. You can also spread diatomaceous earth around the foundation of your home or other buildings every so often in order to prevent infestations.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is another common household substance that can be used to treat a variety of pest problems, including termite infestations. Vinegar can be used on its own, but for maximum effectiveness, create a spray by mixing ½ cup of white vinegar with about four tablespoons of lemon juice, or about two lemons worth of juice. Put this into a spray bottle and spray wherever you see termites two or three times a day. Vinegar can be used to prevent infestations but is not as effective as other prevention methods.

Salt

Sodium chloride, also known as table salt, can be used to both treat and prevent termite infestations. There are a number of ways that it can be used to do so. You can mix equal parts of salt and hot water until the salt dissolves. Then, fill a syringe with the mixture and empty the syringe at entry points to the colony. You can also put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray the infested area, or soak cotton balls in the mixture and place them near the infestation. Termites are attracted to the salt, so you don’t have to be as careful to coat the entire affected area as you do with other termite control methods.

Professional Termite Treatment

While these home remedies can be helpful and, with thorough work and many repetitions, may even be able to eliminate a very small termite problem, do it yourself termite control methods are just no match for professional pest control methods, especially for the largest and most severe termite infestations. Professional exterminators have knowledge and experience, not to mention the access to high quality equipment, that the average person simply doesn’t. This allows them to be more thorough and effective in your termite treatment.

One leading pest control company is Signature Pest Control, one of Inland Empires leading pest control companies. Signature Pest’s specialists service industrial, commercial, and residential properties using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to balance effectiveness with the safety of humans, animals, and the environment. Don’t let a termite infestation become a costly, out of control mess. Contact Signature Pest Control today to schedule your appointment.