When it comes to termites, we all know that they are small, flying insects that can cause devastating damage to our property. However, there is much more than meets the eye when it comes to these pesky little creatures.
Soil is an abundant resource around most homes and other buildings. It’s easy to take it for granted until termites show up and wreak havoc on the property. Termites are able to thrive in soil because it offers them everything they need for survival – moisture, food, and shelter from predators.
If you have a problem with termites in your soil, there are a few things you can do today to prevent them from becoming a bigger problem tomorrow. Read on to learn how to get rid of termites in soil easily and quickly!
How to get rid of termites in soil?
Let’s start off by taking a look at the lifecycle of a termite. Once the queen lays her eggs, the larvae need to mature into adult termites before they can reproduce and make more offspring. This process can take upwards of two years depending on the type of termite you have. As you can imagine, once the termites are mature and reproducing, they’re going to need food.
This is where your soil comes in! When it comes time to feed their young, termites will look to your soil as a source of food. Unfortunately, the damage doesn’t stop there. Termites will eat your soil until they find wood to feed their young. And in the process, they’ll also destroy your wooden fixtures.
But getting rid of termites in the soil is a bit easier than you might think. With the right chemicals and techniques, you can be on your way to a termite-free environment in no time. Let’s take a look at a few ways you can get rid of termites in soil.
White Vinegar
First up on our list of how to get rid of termites in the soil is white vinegar. This is one of the most common household items that can be combined with other ingredients to create a potent solution for combating termites. White vinegar is a natural substance that is safe for people and the environment.
It’s also very affordable, making it an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget. All you need to do is mix one part white vinegar with three parts water. Then, pour it into a spray bottle and apply it to your soil where you see termites. This vinegar solution will kill the termites by dehydrating them.
It’s important to note that this solution is meant to be applied directly to the soil, not your plants. You can even add a bit of dish soap to your vinegar if you see a lot of ants around your home. The soap will help the vinegar stick to the soil and ant trails, making it easier to eradicate the termites as well.
Nematodes: Termites’ Nemesis
If white vinegar is a staple in your house, you might want to try out nematodes as an alternative to how to get rid of termites in soil. These little critters are a termite’s worst nightmare. What are nematodes? They are tiny, microscopic worms that can be purchased online or at your local garden store.
These worms are great for controlling insect pests in your garden. Nematodes feed off of insects, meaning they will eat the termites in your soil. Once the termites are eaten, the nematodes will reproduce in your soil and create more of their kind. These little guys are a great long-term solution how to get rid of termites in soil.
Boric Acid
Boric acid is another common household item that can be used to get rid of termites in soil. Boric acid is a naturally occurring mineral that is often found in soil. However, unlike vinegar, you can’t just pour boric acid into your soil. You’ll need to mix it with water and a substance that prevents it from clumping together.
Once you’ve done that, you can apply the solution directly to your soil. Boric acid kills termites by clogging up their digestive system, which is why it’s incredibly effective against them. Boric acid is an excellent choice for people who have kids and pets in the house.
It’s non-toxic and even used as a common eye wash for infants. Boric acid is one of the more expensive solutions on our list of how to get rid of termites in soil, but it’s worth the cost for its effectiveness.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is one of the most common household ingredients that can be used to get rid of termites in soil. Cayenne pepper is a spicy substance that can be applied directly to the soil just like the vinegar or boric acid options. However, unlike the other two options, you won’t need to mix it with anything.
Simply sprinkle the cayenne pepper directly onto the soil and let it sit there. Cayenne pepper is a very hot substance that termites won’t be able to withstand. Once the termites are eaten by the cayenne pepper, they will die and decompose in the soil. This will help to break down the soil and enrich it by adding nutrients back into it.
Cayenne pepper is a great solution for someone who wants to use household items but doesn’t want to spend a lot of money. It’s easily accessible and one of the least expensive solutions on our list.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powder substance that you can apply directly to the soil. This powder is made out of crushed fossils and will kill the termites once they eat it. However, DE is a long-term solution that needs to be reapplied every few months. Diatomaceous earth is a very affordable option and is easily accessible.
You can usually find it at your local hardware store or even online. Diatomaceous earth is a safe alternative to how to get rid of termites in soil but it does pose some risks. DE is a very abrasive substance that can harm people and pets.
It’s important to be careful when applying DE and wear protective gloves and clothing. Diatomaceous earth is a great long-term solution to getting rid of termites in soil.
Sunlight
The last item on our list of how to get rid of termites in the soil is actually the most natural way to eradicate them. Sunlight is a great, free way to get rid of termites in landscape soil. Sunlight will naturally kill off a lot of the termites in your soil. The rest of the termites in your soil will die off due to a lack of food.
This is a very slow process, so you may need to do something else while you wait for the termites to die out. However, sunlight is a 100% natural solution and a great way to get rid of termites in soil without using harmful chemicals.
Conclusion
Termites are a nuisance to deal with and can cause major damage to your home. To keep them out of your house, you need to make sure they don’t have a place to live. The best way to do this is to take care of the problem at the source. The best way to do that is by cleaning up your landscape and getting rid of any deadwood.
You can also use some chemicals, like the ones listed above, to help keep the termites at bay. When it comes to dealing with termites, prevention is always better than a cure.
Additional Contents
