How do you get rid of termites naturally?
Termites are small, white-coloured insects that go for the wood in and around your home. They can do a lot of damage to your wood deck, patio, and roof by building tunnels and making a new home in your wood. If you notice signs of termites, you might not want to use harsh chemicals. Here are some natural treatments for getting rid of the termites for good.
Trap Them With Cardboard
If you know exactly where the termites are based on the tunnels in your wood, you will be able to trap them and dispose of them without using harsh chemicals. To do this, all you need is some cardboard. Termites are attracted to moist areas and anything that smells of wood. Use this to your advantage by wetting some cardboard and placing it close to the area where you believe termites are hiding. Soon you will notice the termites moving over to the cardboard. Once you see them on top of it, you can burn the cardboard to exterminate them.
Give the Termites Direct Sunlight
Termites not only prefer dark, wet places, but they thrive in them. Termites are usually only seen at night because the sunlight can harm and even kill them. Knowing this, you will be able to expose them to sunlight and kill them off. Do this first by finding where the termites are hiding, then exposing them to sunlight. Their location will determine the best way to do this. If they are in the soil, dig up the area of soil during the day so they get direct sunlight. If they are in furniture, bring the furniture out into the yard directly underneath the sunlight. Breaking apart pieces of damaged furniture might help accomplish this.
Kill Them With Their Predators
You can allow predators of termites to do the exterminating for you, which also helps you do it naturally. One of the bigger predators for termites is the nematode. These are worms that are often found in gardens and yards. Purchase some fresh nematodes from your local garden center and place them into the ground where you have seen signs of termites. The worms will get to work finding the termites through the tunnels and kill them for you. Make sure you use them right away or put them in the refrigerator. Do not let direct sunlight touch them, as it harms them just as much as termites.
For more information and help, consider contacting a pest control specialist, such as those at Expect the Best Pty Ltd. You may also be able to find companies that still use natural or more green options for termination.