Termites are winged insects that can cause considerable damage to your home. There are many signs that you may have a colony, including hearing clicking sounds within your walls. You may also have noticed dead wings around your home, which happens when a termite finds a mate.
Perhaps you’ve noticed chunks taken out of your wooden furniture. If you’re skeptical of a termite infestation, we’ve devised a list of treatments to get rid of them and prevent their return. The quicker you detect the infestation, the less damage they’ll cause to your property.
In This Article
Treatment Chemicals to Get Rid of Termites
To eliminate termites from your home quickly and permanently, you’ll need a high-quality treatment chemical. Look for the active ingredients below in any formulas to ensure you kill these insects and create a barrier around your home.
Liquid Insecticide Fiproni
Liquid insecticide fiproni is the most common of treatment chemicals, though is an expensive solution. It takes around 20 hours to kill termites using it. It creates a barrier against pests to prevent them from entering your home while killing current termites. You can also purchase this solution in gel form and use in bait stations to attract termites, and then get rid of them.
To use it, mix with water according to the instructions and apply around your home. Focus on wooden structures in particular or use surrounding your home to apply the chemical to soak into the ground.
Termidor Fipronil Foam
This ingredient comes in a foam, which is then pumped into hard-to-reach places around your home. It takes around two days to kill termites using it. Although it’s a slow-acting termite chemical treatment, it causes a paralyzing effect on house termites within 10 hours.
It conveniently comes in an easy-to-use bottle and offers long-lasting results. The foam can be applied to galleries and nests where termites are found and is perfect for spot treatment.
Imidacloprid Granules
Imidacloprid Granules are one of the most popular solutions to permanently get rid of termites, as they areeffective and easy to use. It takes around 90 days to kill a large termite infestation using it.
Simply spread the granules around wooden structures within and around your home and the chemical will attract termites and kill them. Water activates the granules, allowing this ingredient to be effective outdoors.
On average, you’ll need around nine pounds of granules to treat up to 200 linear feet of property. Plus, a granule formula is cheaper than most liquid-based termite treatments. We recommend the BioAdvanced Termite Killer which kills termites with a single application. The bottle features a built-in shaker applicator to make the application quick and easy.
Natural Ways to Get Rid of Termites
There are many ways to get rid of termites without using harsh chemicals. These solutions are great if you have pets in your home or live with anyone with respiratory problems. These effective ways are affordable, too.
Vinegar
This home remedy is effective for targeting small infestations, and you’ll likely already have vinegar in the house. It takes around two weeks to kill termites with vinegar. To make this natural home remedy, mix half a cup of vinegar with the juice from two lemons. Pour the solution into a spray and dispense to the affected areas around your home.
This liquid formula will seep into cracks and holes in your home, allowing you to kill termites out of sight. Spray all wooden surfaces outside of your home too, such as garden fences and benches. We also recommend targeting entrance holes or any termite mounds you notice.
Sunlight
Heat and sunlight is an effective natural termite killer, and free to use! It takes up to three days to kill termites with sunlight. To use this method, place the infested wooden furniture in direct sunlight for a few times to kill house termites. This process works best in temperatures over 50 Fahrenheit, as termites can’t survive in these temperatures.
This treatment isn’t successful enough to use on its own, since you can’t remove wooden features from your home’s infrastructure or move the basement in the garden. However, it’s effective for killing termites from wooden furniture.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a great natural tool to get rid of termites that won’t damage your furniture. Made from silicon, calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium, and other components, it takes up to 10 days to kill termites.
When using the product outside, spread a two-inch layer around your home—particularly near entrances. On average, 50 pounds of diatomaceous earth will cover 13 square feet. When using the product indoors, spread small amounts around corners and in all crevices. Add the earth to a spray bottle to read behind baseboards and piping. Remember to wear protection when using it. While it is an all-natural, high-quality formula, it’s best to avoid breathing it in.
How to Prevent Termites in the First Place
Prevention is better than cure, so ensure you properly maintain your home to prevent an infestation in the first place. Repair any leaks or drips, as termites are attracted to moisture, and seal any cracks and holes around your home.
