DIY termite control products and methods account for approximately 15% of the pest control market share, as reported by Statista. But are they truly effective termite prevention methods? Let’s find out!

The DIY Dilemma

Panic is often the first emotion that hits people who have discovered termites in their homes. They probably did not notice the mud tubes or the frass lying in the corners and when realization dawns, it is indeed shocking. How should they fight this silent invasion?

Now the dilemma: “Should I call in the professionals or should I take it into my own hands?”

Most of the time, backed by the strength of the internet, homeowners tend to choose DIY methods. Here are some common DIY termite control and termite prevention methods that people choose.

1. Sunlight

Some people think that exposing termite-infested furniture to sunlight can eliminate the termites. Heat indeed can dry out the termites but the air around the infested wood should be heated to a temperature of about 130°C for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Exposing the furniture to sunlight can heat it up but not to the required degree. The sunlight might kill one or two termites but most probably the colony will survive.

2. Boric Acid

This is one of the most popular DIY methods. Boric acid when ingested by termites is believed to interfere with their digestion and consequently kills them.

Boric acid is often used in the powder form which makes it hard for the wood to absorb it. Also, it is impossible to know whether every termite in your house has ingested the acid. You need to find the right places of termite activity and apply the acid in all these places. Remember that even 2 termites are enough to restart the termite colony.

Also Read: 5 Things Your Termite Exterminator Wants You to Know

3. Cardboard Boxes

This probably is the most ineffective technique of DIY termite control. According to this method, a wet cardboard box that is supposed to attract termites is placed. When the termites devour the box, you have to take the cardboard box with the termites outside and burn it. 

Termite colonies usually house thousands of termites. The cardboard box method simply cannot get rid of these numerous termites.

4. Beneficial Nematodes

This involves releasing tiny parasites that like to snack on termites into the infested areas. These parasites inject certain bacteria into the termites which will eat them from inside out.

While this method has proved to be effective in controlling small infestations in the garden or lawn area, it can get expensive. You might have to reapply the nematodes several times. The nematodes might die if exposed to too much sunlight. They might also attack the other beneficial pests in your garden. You need to make sure that the pesticides you use do not affect the nematodes. And most importantly, the majority of the people are not very comfortable with parasites released into their homes.

5. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is made from the remains of diatoms which are tiny aquatic organisms. The silica present in their skeletons will absorb the oil and fat from the exoskeleton of the termites which consequently kills them. 

This method is effective in places where the infestation is confined to one space. For example, if the tree stump in your garden is infested, you can cover the wood with diatomaceous earth. It can kill the termites but the question remains - are all of them dead?

HiTech Termite Control

Termites aren’t fully gone unless the last one in the colony is eliminated. Allow us to deal with the problem for you! Our termite experts are well-trained to find the hideouts of these little invaders and get rid of them. To know more about our termite control methods, visit us here.