[Eric Vinje]

Hello Teresa –

I feel comfortable recommending all of the steps listed below for use in your house, but keep in mind Bora-Care must be applied to untreated wood surfaces. It will not work on painted or stained wood. Also, botanical insecticides — derived from plants which have insecticidal properties — should be your last line of defense for dealing with pests indoors. These natural pesticides have shorter half-lives and less toxicity than commercial chemical sprays, but they’re still strong and should only be used after other least-toxic options have been tried. I you need to use a botanical spray indoors, I suggest applying Don’t Bug Me to cracks and crevices which will minimize exposure to you, your children and your pets.

Homeowners can get rid of termites naturally by following these NINE simple techniques:

1.) Eliminate wood contact with the ground. Ideally, wood should be at least 8 inches above the soil. Pull soil or mulch back from the foundation and support steps or posts on a concrete base.

2.) Prevent moisture from accumulating near the foundation. Termites are attracted to moisture and are more likely to enter a structure if the soil next to the foundation is consistently moist. Install, fix or relocate downspouts, drains and gutters. Repair leaky faucets.

3.) Never store firewood, lumber or other wood debris against the foundation. When stacked against the foundation they offer a hidden path of entry into the structure.

4.) Use decorative wood chips and mulch sparingly, especially if you have other conditions conducive to termite problems.

5.) Apply Bora-Care directly to untreated wood surfaces. Formulated with a concern for the environment, Bora-Care is a borate based insecticide and fungicide that is used for the interior and exterior control of wood-boring insects. Its patented formula penetrates deep into the wood providing long lasting protection.

6.) Dust Boric Acid lightly into cracks, crevices, wall voids and other insect hiding places. This fine powder clings to the legs, antennae and bodies of insects and acts as a stomach poison when consumed during grooming.

7.) Spray Orange Guard, made from citrus peel extract, to kill on contact. Approved for organic use, Orange Guard is a broad spectrum insect killer that’s safe to use indoors and out. Repeat applications may be necessary.

8.) Apply food-grade Diatomaceous Earth for long-lasting protection. Made up of tiny fossilized aquatic organisms, that look like broken glass under the microscope, DE kills by scoring an insect’s outer layer as it crawls over the fine powder. Contains NO toxic poisons!

9.) Least-toxic botanical insecticides should be used as a last resort. Derived from plants which have insecticidal properties, these natural pesticides have fewer harmful side effects than synthetic chemicals and break down more quickly in the environment.

Go get `em!

[Brent Kostka]

If you have termites in your home, you are seriously in great trouble. Believe me, there are very few insect types who are more dangerous than the termite. Termites are quite dangerous as if they can alone ruin and destroy a house’s very foundation and appeal in less than a few years.

As to escape the termite problem, you need to identify the infestation and use extermination techniques like cardboard traps, helpful nematodes, heat and cold.

Look for signs of an infestation:
You might not be able to find the direct evidence of termite infestation; however that doesn’t mean you have to stay unaware of it. Sagging floors, holes in woodwork and hollow parts of your foundation are all serious warning signs of termites.

Determine the type of termites you have:
There are two common types of termites that might infiltrate your home: subterranean and dry wood. The earlier one is found in both the soil around your home and the wood of your home, while the latter flourish solely in wood.
They are found in warm, coastal regions – mostly in California, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Georgia. Subterranean termites can be found anywhere in the states.

Getting rid of termites yourself:
Take some flat strips of cardboard, wet them, and stack them on one another in an area where termites are likely to be. Since termites feed on cellulose (cardboard), this makes for an exceptional spot trap. When the cardboard is infested with termites, take it out in a safe area and burn it.

If your home is not what is termite infested, but it’s a piece of furniture or an item you can remove it from your home, expose it to sunlight. Termites flourish in darkness. The heat and light from the sun kills them. Thus, place your furniture outside for as long as possible – if possible for 2-3 days.

Freeze the termites:
If you live in a rainy area which makes it impossible for you to expose your furniture to sunlight, you can consider freezing your furniture to kill the termites. Place your wooden furniture into a large freezer for 2-3 days. Although this can be tricky for large pieces of furniture, if you’re able the freezer method should guarantee the death of the termites.

In case, you got an idea that the infestation is simply too big, you should most likely call a professional extermination service.

[junteer]

Thank you very much!

[tonyzack]

looks great, thanks for helpful information

[mktdochoihahuy]

Great methods, I will save these.

[Author]

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