Nearly 600,000 homes in the country are damaged by termites every year. Besides causing practical inconvenience, termites can spread health infections and lead to unhygienic living conditions. While coils and baits might help, they are certainly not long-term solutions, so one needs to find other options to get rid of termites permanently. There are certain hacks and easy home remedies that can help keep homes termite-free in the long run.

Clove oil and water
Because of their strong aroma, cloves usually repel termites. So, a solution of clove oil and water can help get rid of termites for a long period. The best way to use clove oil as a termite repellent is to prepare a DIY solution using three drops of clove oil and approximately half a cup of water and spray it around the house, particularly in the corners and areas that termites frequent.

Boric acid
Since it is poisonous to termites, boric acid helps get rid of all types of termites, including flying termites. But unlike a spray, it doesn’t directly destroy the insects. Termites need to ingest the powder to be killed by it. So, one should remember to generously sprinkle boric acid in areas where termites are found most often.

Diatomaceous earth
Procured from a naturally occurring sedimentary rock, diatomaceous earth, or DE, is known for its multifaceted benefits, and one of them is it works as a termite repellent. One way to use DE for this purpose is to sprinkle it directly on areas affected by termites. Alternatively, one may also spray DE and water solution on wooden surfaces as a way of preventing termites.

White vinegar
If there are many termites scurrying about on indoor surfaces, spraying white vinegar over them can help get rid of the insects. Essentially, white vinegar has acetic acid, which destroys termites’ exoskeletons and dehydrates them. But this remedy helps only when white vinegar comes directly in contact with termites, so one should consider spraying it only if the termite infestation is visibly large. Also, white vinegar’s concentrated solution is more effective than a diluted one.

Aloe vera gel
One of the easiest natural remedies to get rid of termites is aloe vera gel. The best way to lay this trap for termites is to crush tiny aloe vera leaves to form a paste and place them around the various corners and surfaces of the home. Leaving the gel in this form is sure to attract termites, and when they come in contact with it, they get destroyed due to suffocation.

Salt solution
This is a basic but helpful remedy to destroy termites. Since salt dehydrated termites, they suffocate and perish when they come in contact with salt solution. By spraying salt solution consistently, one can get rid of termites for a long time.

Soap solution
A solution prepared using liquid dish soap and water can also help rid termites effectively. The soap tends to form a layer around the termite’s body, which prevents it from breathing and destroys it instantly. One should remember to spray the solution directly on the termites for the best results.

Neem oil
Widely used as an organic pesticide, neem oil naturally destroys pests, including beetles, roaches, and termites, and is safe to use at home. Adding neem oil to a water and mild soap solution and spraying it on infested areas can do wonders in getting rid of termites.

Petroleum jelly
Besides hydrating the skin and lips, petroleum jelly serves the important function of destroying termites. The right way to use it as a termite repellent is to apply it directly on infested areas. When termites come in contact with the jelly, they are bound to get destroyed due to suffocation. Since petroleum jelly is available in some form or the other in most homes, it’s a simple way to get rid of termites permanently.

Cardboard traps
Interestingly, termites love feeding on cardboard because of its high cellulose content. So, leaving cardboard traps around is an excellent way to get rid of them. These traps have treated cardboard, which makes them highly attractive to termites and act as an easy way to destroy them permanently.

Nematodes
If the outdoor space of a home, such as a garden or lawn, gets infested by termites, nematodes are excellent solutions to get rid of them. These are essentially roundworms that act as parasites for bacteria, fungi, and other creatures like termites. While this is an environment-friendly approach, it is not suitable for indoor spaces, for which one should consider other solutions.

While there are different approaches on how to get rid of termites, including flying termites, permanently, it is best to call a pest control company if the infestation is unmanageable. Regular pest control can help destroy termites in the long run and prevent them from destroying surfaces and spreading infections. Also, it always helps to detect and treat termite infestation early, because it gets challenging to get rid of them once they multiply.