Termites can be disturbing creatures that disturb your furniture and the surrounding areas. There are various ways through which you can control termites, but people often look for non-toxic ways to control termites that would be environmentally friendly. So, if you are also looking for the same ways to control termites, you are at the right place. In this article, we will discuss some of the non-toxic ways to control termites.
In addition to the tips below, it is better to consult a pest control company as they can provide you with the best solutions to deal with termites.
What are Non-Toxic Ways to Control Termites?
- Nematodes: These are microscopic organisms that prey on termites and other pests. Therefore, you can introduce them into the soil or the area around the termite-infested place. It will seek out and infect the termites by breaking the life cycle of the colony. These nematodes are natural predators that are harmless to pets, humans, and plants. Therefore, this is one of the effective ways to control termites.
- Cardboard Traps: It is a trap that attracts the termites away from the furniture. There are wet strips of corrugated cardboard that you can place near the termite areas. Termites are attracted to the cellulose in the cardboard, which provides a controlled environment for their presence. Once you have termites on the cardboard, you can remove and burn them to eliminate the termite colony.
- Sunlight Exposure: Termites are very sensitive to sunlight and dehydration, and therefore, if you keep the termite-infested furniture, wooden items, or others in the sunlight, then you can control the termite population. This is one of the effective methods to control termites in a non-toxic way, and it will also provide the best results.
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE): It is a natural, non-toxic substance that is made from the remains of diatoms. It absorbs the oils and fats from the exoskeletons of termites, which makes them dehydrated and eradicates them slowly. You can sprinkle diatomaceous earth in the areas which are prone to termites.
- Essential Oils: Essential oils have properties that repel insects and, thus, can be used as a non-toxic element to repel termites. There are various oils like tea tree oils, clove oil, and others that you can use or spray around the areas where termites are present at a significant level. If you regularly apply essential oils, it will help you repel termites and discourage them from infesting your house.
- Salt Barrier: If you are creating a salt barrier around the areas where termites are present at a significant level, it will restrict their presence. Termites are sensitive to salt, and therefore, they will avoid crossing the salt barrier. Consequently, it would help if you created such barriers, especially after rain, because rain leads to moisture, which is a suitable condition for their growth.
- Boric Acid: It is a naturally occurring acid powder that is toxic to termites but less toxic to humans and pets. Therefore, you can use them against termites. You must mix the boric powder with water and create a solution to spray in the termites-infested areas.
Thus, these are essential non-toxic ways to control termites. However, it is important to note that these solutions are not long-lasting, so it is better to consult pest control for permanent solutions.
