Are you sure there are termites in your home? Here's the best ways to deal with this problem

by Mark Bennett

February 23, 2024

Are you sure there are termites in your home? Here's the best ways to deal with this problem
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Insects can easily "sneak" into our homes, causing an infestation which could get out of hand. And one insect pest in particular can become a real problem if they "colonizes" our homes: termites

Particularly harmful for our wooden furniture (and other wooden objects), termites must be eliminated as soon as they are detected. Read on to find out more:

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What are termites?

What are termites?

Mary Keim/Flickr

Termites are small insects that look a lot like ants, but are lighter in color and with a more flattened body. Termites feed on cellulose, which is why wooden rafters, furniture, chairs, beds, etc are particularly vulnerable to this pest.

Termites create extensive tunnel systems inside wooden objects, compromising their integrity. Given this, you need to take action as soon as possible to deal with this problem.

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First of all, confirm you have termites

First of all, confirm you have termites

Discott/Wikimedia commons - CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED

As they live in colonies, it is not usually difficult to notice termites in the home. And when they are feeding, you will hear a constant ticking, clicking sound as they feast on wood.

Additionally, you will notice sawdust appear under the wooden object that termites have infested. Or you may spot small transparent insect wings laying around the house (or even dead termite "bodies"). These are all signs that you have a termite problem and it's time to act.

Anti-termite remedies

Anti-termite remedies

Pickpik

There are many ways to put a stop to termites "mining" operations. Here's 5 specific products you can use:

  • Orange oil. Termites thrive in humid environments, but this oil has the ability to dessicate and eliminate termites. Neem oil also has the same properties. Spray these products where termites have invaded.

  • Borax powder. This is an ideal product to repel many types of insects, including termites. A little dusting of this powder is enough to eliminate these pests. Contact with borax completely blocks the nervous system of termites, eliminating them.

  • Diatomaceous soil. This soil can keep many types of insects at bay. Often used by gardeners, this soil serves as a an effective insect repellent - and this includes termites.

  • Aloe vera. A home remedy that is easy to find on the market - an many of us also have a few plants on the terrace. Aloe vera suffocates insects, so a little will be enough to solve your termite problem.

  • Vinegar. Finally, this common kitchen product will also help you solve your termite problem.

Problem solved

So, you can see that there are many methods to solve your termite problem - just choose the one that's right for you. As preventative measures, keep an eye on humidity levels in the house, seal holes in wood and close any possible access points.

Finally, just keep an eye open for any tell-tale signs that termites have invaded your home (see above) and then act quickly if you have a problem developing.

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