How to Kill Termites
15 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Termites
Don’t know how to kill termites effectively? If so, you should read this post to the end to discover 15 most effective ways to get rid of termites naturally and fast.
Out of the umpteen insects, critters, rodents and other pests, termites seem to be the most dangerous ones. They are one such pest that can ruin your house’s foundation in just a few years.
The worst part is that they are not even noticeable in the first few years. This means that they don’t come with a warning.
It can be too late once you realize that your house has been infested by termites.
Your home is precious and in no way you can take a chance to re-invest because of the mere pest.
It becomes crucial that you take steps and precautions to protect your home from termites.
Before we directly dive into the ways to control termites, we should have some knowledge about them.
Hint: Want to quickly get rid of termites? Then you definitely need to use the best termite killer products.
Baiting System
Table of Content:
Types of Termites
1. Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites live in the soil and build one of the largest nests. They are connected via trees and structural timbers in houses.
These termites are found highly in the U.S. and are considered one of the most destructive species. They destroy woods and home at a fast pace.
2. Dampwood Termites
They belong to the families Kalotermitidae and Hodotermitidae. These species are mostly found in woods that has high moisture content.
These termites are seldom found in homes. This is because homes have wood that do not have moisture content in it.
They also do not require contact with the soil and are mostly found in damp woods.
3. Drywood Termites
They belong to the family Kalotermitidae and are typically found in wood, hardwood floors and timber.
They do not require contact with the soil. These species are responsible for damage to homes.
Drywood termites cause damage at a slower as compared to the subterranean termites. Hence, it is seen that the subterranean termites does more damage as compared to other termites and require different treatment methods.
Signs of Termites
How will you know that your house has been attacked by termites?
You need to be proactive about preventing your home from termites. Here are few signs that will help you know that termites have infested your home.
1. Wood damage
If your home is mostly made out of wood then beware.
Wood damage is usually found behind and below surfaces like floors and walls.
Most of the houses have wooden floors and it is crucial that you take a look at your floors or other wooden structures once a week to know if there is any damage caused.
As you know that termites basically damage the woods, they chew it in search of cellulose. As years pass by, the wood weakens and creates structural damage.
Always look below the surface of the wood. If you are doubtful then take the help of the specialist as they have proper tools to test termite damage.
2. Wings
Termites have wings.
You may find discarded wings near windows, door or other home access points.
When termites find the right place to dig through the wood, they twist their wings off as they know that they won’t need the wings again.
Termite wings are of the same size unlike ant wings. Take a closer look at every corner of your house. If you find wings then an immediate action needs to be taken.
3. Mud Tubes
Mud-tubes can be found near trees or sheds or where the ground connects your house.
As you know, termites require certain temperature to survive. They will thrive at places where there is moisture content.
The tubes or tunnels they make blocks cool or dry air to retain enough moisture. You may remove a section of the tube to see if any termites crawl out.
Termites can be fast in rebuilding their new nest. Action needs to be taken before they destroy your house.
4. Flashlight and Screwdriver
You need to go to the basement of any part of your house to check the hollowness of your wood.
Woods are not hollow until it is eaten up from inside. You need to push the wood with the screwdriver and test for its strength.
If the wood falls out easily it is a sign of termite problem.
5. Brown Pellets of Eexcrement
Take your flashlight and look for termite excrement.
Termite droppings may be dark brown pellets or wood coloured. These droppings are found near weakened wood that indicates termite infestation.
What Kills Termites?
There are many things that kill termites.
There are certain chemicals that can immediately kill the termite population of a particular colony. However, there may be restrictions on using certain chemicals in your locality. It might be against the law.
A licensed professional can do this job for you. You need to be careful before using the chemical treatments.
1. Permethrin Dust
This chemical gives immediate results. It is a natural insecticide that remains effective for a longer period of time.
It is not only effective for termites but also for ants, ticks, wasps, bag-worms, ground beetles, etc.
This is one of the favourite chemicals of the homeowners and professionals.
2. Arsenic Dust
This is again an effective chemical to wash off termites.
If one termite comes in contact with arsenic dust then probably other termites of the same colony will become a prey.
Arsenic dust is of cannibalistic nature. This means that the chemical will be transmitted from the dead termites to other insects who feed on them.
Warning: Keep the Wood Maintained That Doesn’t Catch Damp.
Damp wood can be the biggest cause of termite infestation. Termites require an environment that has the right temperature and humidity level.
Always check if your wooden floor and doors to avoid termite attack. Dry wood will usually not have termite infestation.
3. Low Temperature
Low temperature will terminate termites from your house.
Low temperature would mean-20 degree Fahrenheit. You would need liquid nitrogen to bring the down the temperature.
4. Flooding Kills Termites
Simply drown the termites to get rid of them.
If you have a garden and you see small mud-tubes created then dig through it and flood that area. In this way you can naturally get rid of them.
5. Sunlight
If there is not enough sunlight penetrating your home then it is likely that termites will destroy your house.
Sunlight plays an important role in killing the termites naturally.
Do not keep the windows close during the daytime. Let enough sunlight come in.
6. Salt Kills Termites
Salt can be an effective and natural method to kill termites.
You just have to fill a jar with equal part of salt and warm water. Yes, it should be very salty.
Take a syringe and fill in with salty water. Inject it into all the affected areas. Termites will die out of dehydration.
How to Kill Termites Yourself
There are innumerable ways to kill termites. Different termites will require different treatments.
You may either get the things from the local market or make your own DIY solutions. Here are some other ways to kill termites.
Killing Drywood Termites
1. Electrocution
This may sound weird, but this is one of the most effective methods of eradication termites.
It is not necessary to drill holes but if you do so it will be more effective.
2. Orange oil
Orange oil is simply the extract from the orange peel. It is not soluble in water.
You should be very careful in handling this oil as it is dangerous for humans.
If you intake the oil by mistake you may suffer from stomach problems. Also, it will irritate your skin or eyes.
Orange oil is used to treat a variety of insects by destroying their cell membranes.
You need to drill a small hole in the infested wood and pour the oil into the hollow spaces. Results will be seen within a week or two.
3. Sunlight
As discussed earlier, sunlight is the most non-cost effective way to kill termites.
Termites like darkness and once exposed to light and heat can help in sweeping them off. For example, if your table or chair is infested, you can take them out in sunlight and leave it for 2-3 days.
Killing Subterranean Termites
1. Boric acid
Boric acid is a natural insecticide that dehydrates the insects and stops their nervous system. You may coat or spray the wood with boric acid.
Please beware. This acid can be toxic if inhaled.
You need to use mask and gloves while using the acid. Keep your pets and children away from this substance.
2. Nematodes
Nematodes are worm species that look out for hosts like termites. It can be used in a spray form that will kill termites in approximately 48 hours.
Nematodes are not harmful to plants, humans or pets. They only concentrate on insects and destroy their colony in no time.
Remember that nematodes should be used immediately. If you are not using them immediately then store it in a refrigerator.
Use them either in the early morning or after sunset.
3. Bug bombs
Bug bombs consist of liquid insecticide and are available in pressurized aerosol cans. They are easily available at grocery stores.
When sprayed, it falls on the floor and other areas. After termites come in contact with this toxic substance, they die.
The bombs, however, do not penetrate the wood or reach termite nests. Wear a mask when you use the bug bomb.
DIY Termites Control
1. Cardboard Trap Method
You need flat strips of cardboard.
Wet the cardboard and stack them where termites are usually found. Termites feed on cellulose and cardboards have cellulose.
Once the cardboard gets infested by the termites, you may take it out and burn them. This process should be repeated multiple times to get the best results.
Understand that this is just a quick fix and might not solve the major termite problems. In that case you may require some other treatment methods.
2. Termite Baits
The market is flooded by termite baiting systems.
You do not require any chemicals to inject it into the soil. All you need is termite baits that you can directly place into the ground.
The termite will feed on it and will die. Baiting can be a great DIY tool to not only kill the termites but also monitor the places where termites might breed.
Baiting can be used at places where pesticides or chemicals might be dangerous for the soil or plants.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Termites
Here are the 5 simple ways to kill termites naturally:
1. Using a cardboard trap: The DIY section discusses on how to eradicate termites using cardboard trap. This cost involved in doing this DIY will be around $0.15.
2. Eliminating moisture: Keep all the wooden structures dry. Do not let moisture seep into the wood. The moment it seeps in, there is a possibility of termite infestation.
3. Using heat and cold methods: As already discussed, extreme heat or extreme cold can destroy the termites immediately. You may use the microwave technique or the liquid nitrogen technique to kill the termites.
4. Exposing to sunlight: Exposing the wood to sunlight can be very helpful. Although it can be a slow process, but termites will die as and when the day passes.
5. Nematodes: Nematodes feed on termites, bacteria, and other creatures. They do not harm the environment and are safe to use. It may cost you some money, but the treatment is effective enough to eradicate the termites.
Termite Treatment Cost
How much does it cost to get rid of termites?
It totally depends on what type of treatment you are doing.
If you are doing DIYs then it will cost almost nothing as compared to buying things or getting professional help. Again, in certain cases you need to invest when termites are in huge population.
For example, if you are not taking a professional help and want to do things on your own then consider using the chemicals mentioned above.
When you use a boric acid, it may cost around $7/oz.
If you are using nematodes as a natural treatment then it would cost you approximately $20 per 1 million nematodes.
Electrocution cost will depend on where you live. Also, whether you are planning to buy or rent it will determine the cost.
To perform special wood treatments you need to buy chemicals. Take the example of products that have borate (like Bora-care).
Borate is basically a type of salt that is used to kill the termites.
It is a low toxicity wood preservative and doesn’t affect the environment much. It penetrates into the wood completely and destroys the termites immediately.
The cost of borate will be around $50-$280 depending on the size.
If the problem is big and you feel that professional help is required then consider shedding out $300-$400. It is always better to prevent and control the occurrence of termite to avoid paying huge sums.
Conclusion
Now you might know everything about how to kill termites. It’s time to take some action. Let’s kill termites and get rid of them for good.
I have found a very effective and super cheap way to get rid of termites, and it is very safe. All you need is a few kilos of solid granulated common salt.
Pour the salt into the termites nests and around your house especially at the places where the termites is likely to sneak in like the cracks and crevices on the floor or walls. Do likewise inside your house. Repeat the process every 3 or 4 months, and you will get rid of these termites forever.
Thanks for sharing, Abdul! Whatever works lets get rid of termites!!! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Thanks for your awesome guide on get rid of termites. However, you have to check the state & local regulations before attempting termite control. In USA, many states regulate or ban home owners from doing termite treatments due to concerns about contamination, spills & ground water. For instance… you can be arrested for treating the soil of your home for termites in NY.
Great post. I have found termite activity inside my house and its freaking me out!!
I’m kinda desperate because honestly I don’t have the money to pay a professional. This article will be of great help. I’m sure I can get it done. Thanks for posting this post. I think theres one area outside my house where I’d have to drill the holes maybe more than 4 inches apart from the structure, will this make the treatment ineffective at all?? Any tips for drilling inside the house?
Thanks again!
Yes it will be effective if you can get the treatment to be pressure sprayed up to the effected area!
If you’re going to use Termidor, as with any chemical, ALWAYS use it as per the label rates. In Australia you can only use it at 0.6% active ingredient concentrate. (Equates to 600ml per 100L or 6ml per liter in Metric terms) The active ingredient (Fipronil) in Termidor is a delayed action termiticide, it’s power is in the fact that it slowly kills the termites, allowing them to pass the chemical on to one another, it also has the added benefit of being non repellant. One reason why chemicals fail is that they are misapplied. Always read the label and follow it strictly! It will pay off. (Don’t think more chemical is better!)
I have seen termites inside my home only along the sides that were soil, not concrete. I have applied a mix of Taurus and Termador since I bought Taurus first and realized its double the price. So I treated my home with both, 6 days apart. My question is, will having a six day gap between treatments cause a problem, will using 2 different products cause a problem and not drilling my driveway where I’ve seen no infestation parallel to the house become a problem..Thanks
both products Taurus and termidor has the active ingredient fripionol so you want have an issue applying both Taurus and temidor. secondly I would surely drill thru all adjacent slabs to ensure all spots are covered.
Ok thank you..How far apart should I drill the slabs and can I use an old school funnel method?
I live in a late 1950’s to early 60’s wood frame and hardwood floor house (rental) I sleep in the front room which is in the very front of the house. My landlord sprayed for termites a couple of months ago and problems in my room stopped. The other day i noticed termite droppings on my comforter. The walls are panalled with no trim top or bottom , the ceiling is woodpanel painted. I know some problem is in the closet, but i am starting to believe the droppings are coming from the ceiling. I clear my bed off and within sometimes only half hour there are more. They also seem to be localized to 1 small section of the bed which is against the outside wall, a size of about a large round dog bowl. I can’t rearrange my room any other way. How can i stop them. I have no extra money and the lease is not in my name. Any ideas?
how do I kill termites in my garden