Creating A Positive Environment

Termites are tough insects to get rid of. They hide deep below the soil and deep within wood where it's tough to reach them with insecticide treatments. But here's the thing: if you take a preventative approach rather than a reactive one, you can keep termites away using only safe, natural ingredients. Take a look at a few natural termite-repelling options below.

1. Cider Vinegar

Like most bugs, termites don't like environments that are too acidic. You can pour apple cider vinegar around the foundation of your home to prevent them from crossing through that span of soil and into your wooden structure. This is a good option if you know there are underground termites in neighbors' properties and do not want them crossing into yours. Just pour some vinegar in a line spanning the perimeter of your foundation. Repeat this every couple of weeks, especially in the wet seasons.

2. Orange Oil

Orange oil is a natural insect repellent, and it won't harm your wood. It's a good idea to apply orange oil to decks, fences, and other outdoor wooden structures that termites might otherwise invade. The easiest way to apply it is with a foam brush. Dip the foam brush into the orange oil, and paint it onto the wooden structure. Let it sit for an hour, and then wipe away any excess. You can do this every few months at first. Eventually, there will be enough oil permeating the wood that you only have to add a touch-up layer once a year.

3. Nematodes

Nematodes are a type of worm that you can add to your soil. They love feeding on termites, or rather termite larvae. They won't get rid of termites overnight, but they will slowly decrease their population over time. It's best to add nematodes to your soil when you suspect there are termites below ground, but you don't have reason to suspect they've invaded your wood yet. Usually, you just sprinkle them over the ground's surface and they work their way into the soil.

4. Neem Oil

Neem oil is another essential oil that repels bugs, including termites. It is more expensive than orange oil, but also more concentrated and effective. You could apply a small amount to any wood around your foundation, door frames, and windows since these are the areas most prone to termite damage. As with orange oil, you should re-apply every few months at first, and then do an annual touch-up once the wood seems saturated.

When you take a preventative approach, you do not have to resort to harsh chemicals to get rid of termites. Contact a termite treatment company to learn more.