Termites are one of the most common pests found throughout Australia. They cause significant damage to buildings and property and are responsible for millions of dollars worth of losses annually. If left untreated, termites can destroy wooden structures such as houses, barns, and sheds within just a few years.
Fortunately, there are several DIY steps you can take to prevent termite infestations and protect your home.
Home Remedies
Remove debris around the foundation of your home
This includes leaves, grass clippings, pieces of plants, and even small rocks. Make sure that nothing is blocking the entrance of your house.
Seal cracks and crevices around exterior walls and foundations
Use caulk or silicone sealant to fill up gaps around pipes, vents, and electrical outlets.
Proper ventilation and sealing
This is key in moisture control. Install windows and doors that allow plenty of airflow while keeping unwanted pests like termites at bay.
Keep wood piles away
Termites love wood products like plywood, particleboard, and some types of lumber. If you’re building a home, keep wood piles away from your house wherever possible. Termites easily travel over long distances, and they’ll find every opportunity to enter your home, so it is best to make sure there are no foundations for easy access. This includes areas under decks, porches, crawl spaces, and basements. Make sure your basement walls are well-sealed against moisture.
Dig a trench and apply termiticide
This DIY termite control method is quite effective: Dig a trench around the entire problem area and fill it with a non-repellent termite insecticide. The idea is to have the termites move through it and die rather than be repelled by the mixture.
Avoid cardboard for storage
These are a big draw for termites. Rather, consider using plastic containers for storage purposes. They also have better sealing properties.
Vinegar
The go-to home remedy for any problem. Mix 125ml of vinegar with the juice from two lemons, and you’ve got your homemade termite killer. Use a spray bottle to distribute the mixture around the termite-infested area. Make sure to repeat regularly to get any termites that escaped the last treatment.
Prevention is Better Than Cure
The best way to take care of a problem is not to have it in the first place! By taking some preventative measures, as discussed above, you can keep termites away before they have a chance to get into your home.
While these treatments and preventative tips work well with small areas, the problem can quickly escalate overnight. If termites find the slightest access into your home, you can face serious structural damage.
It is always best to contact a professional pest control company, like Rockypest, to inspect your property should you suspect a termite problem. We will create a termite control plan that will not only eliminate these pests from your home but prevent the problem from recurring.
Related Posts: