Termites cannot survive in the sunlight therefore they hide in places in your home that are shady. However, to kill them, taking the affected object or area out into bright sunlight will kill them. Let natural sunlight come in your home throughout the day to help prevent them.
Like most flying insects and pests, termites are very attracted to all sources of light. They are particularly drawn to straight lighting and you may see termites in the millions swarming around it. They'll often come into a home and sometimes fly down through a down light by the thousands.
Sunlight. Termites hate sunlight. In fact, they can die from too much sunlight and heat exposure. If you suspect that a piece of furniture has termites, drag it to the yard to bake in the sun for a bit.
This accumulated moisture will allow the termites to survive in dry conditions, but only for a short time. Their tunnels allow them to remain “underground” while traveling and they protect these pests from the elements. Thus, when worker termites get exposed to air and daylight, they will die quickly.
What Do We Know About The Smells Termites Hate? Clemson University scientists reported that 'Termites hate smells of cedarwood, geranium, and tea tree oil. It has also been found that clove bud, cinnamon, and garlic oils can also repel termites.
Ants are the greatest predators of termites, and may have a considerable local impact on termite populations in some areas of the world. A few parasitoids of termites are known, but their potential for regulating termite populations seems negligible.
Boric acid is often recommended for the elimination of termites. Boric acid is a natural pesticide and usually comes in the powder form. You can sprinkle it in the area of infestation or mix it with water to spray in the area. It might be best to use goggles, masks and gloves while spraying the acid.
Although nobody knows for sure how long it takes for drywood termites to cause damage to structures, some pest control professionals estimate that drywood termite infestations can take as long as three to eight years to cause extensive damage in homes.
First, if you don't spot any swarmers or live termites, there's likely no current termite activity. Secondly, if you notice mud tubes and break off a section that remains unrepaired after a few days, you have an inactive termite infestation.
A new colony can have about 100,000 workers at the ready, but an older colony can have about 2 million termites. With about 2 million termites working in the right condition they can cause significant damage within the first few months. A home can be totally destroyed in a year or two.
Ants are the Enemy of Termites
Ants are the biggest natural predators of termites. If you have an established colony of ants in your yard, it is highly unlikely that you will have an established colony of termites.
Boric Acid
Available in a powder mixture, boric acid is one of the best ways to get rid of insects. The acid complicates a termite's digestive and metabolic system. After prolonged exposure, the termite will eventually die. This takes about three to seven days on average.
Arthropods such as ants, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, dragonflies, scorpions and spiders, reptiles such as lizards, and amphibians such as frogs and toads consume termites, with two spiders in the family Ammoxenidae being specialist termite predators.
In Southern California, the western drywood termite swarms during the day, any time between September and November. They may swarm earlier in the northern parts of the state, but the swarming almost always occurs as temperatures begin to cool.
Attraction to Light
Some species of termites swarm late in the afternoon and early evening. Like most nocturnal insects, the pests will be drawn to light sources around the home, such as porch lamps, motion lights, and light reflected from inside. It is common to see swarms of alates around utility lights, as well.
You should never ignore a termite problem. Whether you're dealing with an infestation or want to protect yourself from the possibility, the best option will always be to partner with a pest control professional.
Will termites come back after treatment? Termites may return after treatments. Luckily, companies like Orkin and Terminix promise to re-treat at no extra cost if you have a termite plan with them.
As subterranean termites like chewing through items made of wood and cellulose, such as furniture and wooden floors, they can travel with you from another house and thus, be transferred to your home as well.
Answer: Termites cannot eat through concrete. The issue is that no matter how well poured, concrete will crack as it settles. When poured around plumbing, it will retract or shrink from around the pipes.
Salt is a very effective termite killer according to the team at termite Phoenix. To eliminate termites you should take some salt and spread it on the ground outside your house. Make sure that you cover the entire perimeter. Make a void in the ground outside the house and fill it with water and rock salt.
With drilling, holes can be drilled around the concrete foundation to treat the soil under the concrete. Rodding/trenching allows the termiticide to be applied directly into the soil, increasing its effectiveness and leaving a protective barrier around your home.
Vinegar is an effective termite killer because it contains acetic acid. As an acid, acetic acid is corrosive. But it is especially corrosive against the exoskeletons of termites. When the acid comes in contact with termites, it destroys the termites' exoskeletons.
Leaky pipes, improper drainage, and poor airflow all create moisture issues that attract termites. Dampwood and subterranean termites in particular thrive in humid environments. While dampwood termites prefer water-damaged wood, subterranean termites are unable to live unless surrounded by enough moisture.
Spray boric acid to permanently remove termites
To get rid of termites at home, prepare a solution of borax powder and water, and spray it on the damaged regions. It is a non-toxic procedure that guarantees the elimination of termites in cabinets and wooden furniture after a few applications.