Termites are pesky creatures that can cause a lot of damage to your property. If you have a termite infestation, you may be wondering how to get rid of them. There are many chemical-based methods for getting rid of termites, but these can be harmful to your health and the environment. If you are looking for services offering residential pests extermination and removal around Los Angeles, there are some chemical-free alternatives that they can use effectively in getting rid of termites. Read on to learn more about these alternatives.
Borax
Borax is a naturally-occurring mineral that contains a toxic compound known as boric acid. This compound works by effectively inhibiting termite growth, disrupting the natural metabolism and causing irreversible damage to important bodily functions. In addition, borax can also be applied directly to termite infestations and acts as an effective insecticide. It is widely considered one of the most effective chemical-free ways of dealing with termites. Whether you are dealing with an individual colony or a large infestation, borax can help to tackle the problem at its root and get your home back to being pest-free.
Nematodes
One alternative to using chemical pesticides to eliminate termites is to use nematodes instead. These tiny, worm-like creatures are natural predators of termites, and they can be easily applied to infested areas in order to control and eliminate pests. Nematodes are non-toxic and do not leave any unwanted residues behind, making them a good choice for those seeking a more chemical-free solution. Additionally, since nematodes only target termites and nothing else, they do not cause any harm to other types of insects or animals.
Get Rid of Moisture
Termites thrive in moist environments, so eliminating excess moisture can help to discourage infestations and keep your home safe from these destructive insects. This can be done by addressing issues with indoor condensation or leaks in pipes or roofs and fixing any problems with subsurface water flow near the house. You can also regularly inspect crawlspaces and basements for signs of dampness or irrigation systems that might be flooding. By eliminating excess moisture, you can make your home less appealing to termite colonies, allowing you to effectively get rid of these pests naturally.
Using Cardboards to Trap Them
Cardboards are an effective way to trap termites since they are attracted to the cellulose found in these materials. To use this method, place cardboard around the perimeter of your home or any areas where you have seen termite activity. The termites will be attracted to the cardboard and will start to build their nests inside, effectively trapping themselves. Once the cardboards are full of termites, you can then burn them to get rid of the pests for good. This method is a great way to eliminate termites without using harmful chemicals.
Sprinkling Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a naturally-occurring substance that is made up of the fossilized remains of algae. This substance works by puncturing the exoskeletons of insects which causes them to dehydrate and die. When used as a barrier, diatomaceous earth can effectively keep termites from getting into your home. It can also be used to directly treat termite infestations by sprinkling it on areas where these pests are present. This chemical-free method is safe for humans and animals but is deadly for termites, making it an effective way to get rid of these pests.
Heat Exposure
Termites are very sensitive to changes in temperature, and exposure to high heat can effectively kill these pests. One way to do this is to use a portable heater to raise the temperature in an infested area to around 140 degrees Fahrenheit for at least half an hour. This will kill the termites without causing any harm to your home. Another method is to direct sunlight onto an infested area where the sun will evaporate the moisture that the termites need to survive. This method can take a few days to work, but it is an effective way to get rid of these pests without using any chemicals.
Remove Piles of Wood from your Property
Piles of wood serve as an ideal breeding ground for termites since they provide these pests with the moisture and food they need to survive. If you have any piles of wood on your property, it is important to remove them to help prevent infestations. You should also avoid storing firewood or lumber next to your home as this can attract termites and lead to an infestation.
Termites can be a serious problem for homeowners as they can cause extensive damage to your property. However, there are a number of effective and chemical-free methods that you can use to get rid of these pests. Using one or more methods described above, you can eliminate termites from your home and keep your property safe from these destructive insects.
