No one wants their house to be visited by termites, right? These small, unwanted insects can cause significant damage when they appear unexpectedly. Termites mainly eat wood, but they can also feed on any material that contains cellulose, such as paper, cardboard, and live plants. When they can’t find anything to eat, they destroy other objects while searching for food. It’s estimated that the losses caused by termites amount to about 5 billion dollars per year in the USA and Canada, more than the damages caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Since termites can destroy furniture and even entire homes quickly, it’s crucial to know how to prevent them and what to do once you find them.
Here are some effective home remedies for termite treatment and prevention.
Kitchen Salt
Table salt, or sodium chloride, is excellent for cleaning and disinfecting. It can also prevent termites from appearing. Mix equal parts of salt and water and soak some cotton balls in the mixture. Place the soaked cotton on top of the furniture and around the affected areas. Cotton, which is primarily made up of cellulose, attracts termites, while the salt dehydrates them and drives them away.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is a chemical compound commonly used to treat infections, but it can also be effective for termite treatment. It’s so powerful that it’s found in several insecticides designed to fight off termites. Boric acid attacks the termite’s nervous system and dehydrates them. Mix equal parts of sugar and boric acid and place it in small containers around the affected areas. Use this mixture for three to four weeks. This method also works for eliminating ants and cockroaches. While boric acid isn’t poisonous in small quantities, it can be harmful if large amounts are ingested, so keep it away from kids and animals.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are commonly used in skincare, but they can also eliminate termites. The best oils for this purpose are orange, clove, cinnamon, mint, and eucalyptus. Pour some of the oil into a spray bottle and spray the affected areas.
Vaseline
Vaseline is another effective method for termite treatment. While it doesn’t kill termites, it acts as a repellent and serves as a protective barrier. Rub some Vaseline on your furniture and let it sit for one or two days. Then, wipe it off and polish the furniture with a soft cloth.
In addition to these remedies, follow a few more recommendations to keep termites away:
– Ensure your house has proper ventilation and avoid leaving furniture in humid areas that don’t get much sunlight, as damp wood is a favorite snack for termites.
– Sweep up any dead leaves or plants around your home, as they can attract termites.
If these tips don’t help with your termite infestation, it’s best to call a professional for assistance.
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