When it comes to pest control and prevention, you can never be too safe. Each year, termites and similar pests cause an estimated $30 billion in damage to crops and man-made structures in the U.S. Once termites make their way into the foundation of your home, they can be extremely difficult to remove. The best option is to hire an exterminator, but if you're looking for natural ways to prevent termites, here are some ideas.
If you see signs of termite damage in your home, you can try using a cardboard trap to get rid of them. Cardboard is an effective alternative to chemicals because it contains cellulose, which attracts termites. Just lightly spray some water on the cardboard to enhance the smell, and place the piece near where you think the termites are. The termites will congregate on top of it and become easy to remove.
Another natural way to remove termites is through heat or cold treatment. This may be something to hire an exterminator for, but heat and cold treatments require the entire house be adjusted to specific temperatures where termites can't sustain life. With heat, your home will have to be heated to 120-140 degrees for 35 minutes, and with cold, your house will have to be cooled to 15 degrees for four days. This method isn't easy, but it's certainly effective.
An easier method for natural termite removal is to expose the affected areas to sunlight. Termites are very susceptible to sunlight and can't survive in heavily lighted areas. It also helps to clear any vegetation that could be beneficial to their survival. For furniture that may be infested, try leaving it outside during the hottest part of the day to kill termites.
Finally, if you have a particularly stubborn termite infestation that isn't responding to traditional extermination methods you can change the ecosystem of your yard or home by buying parasitic nematodes. These are small worms that feed on microscopic creatures such as termites. This form of biological control is natural and can be extremely effective in termite control efforts.
Overall, dealing with a termite infestation is never fun. But by taking the right steps, you can eliminate termites quickly and easily. While these ideas are all-natural, you should always hire an exterminator for the best pest control treatments.