Termites can quietly destroy wooden furniture, often making it completely unusable. The problem tends to worsen during the monsoon season, as the high humidity creates a favourable environment for them to multiply rapidly. These pests can damage door frames, windows, and furniture if exposed to light, spreading quickly throughout the house. But there’s no need to spend thousands on pest control. You can tackle termite infestations using simple ingredients easily found at home. (News18 Telugu)
Vinegar and Lemon Juice Spray: Mix two teaspoons of white vinegar with two teaspoons of lemon juice in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray directly on areas where termites are seen. The acetic acid in vinegar and citric acid in lemon juice attack their nervous system, killing them instantly. This spray also repels other small insects. For best results, use it daily for a few days. (News18 Telugu)
Sunlight Exposure: Termites cannot tolerate heat or sunlight. Place infested furniture in direct sunlight for 2–3 days to eliminate them naturally. (News18 Telugu)
Saltwater Spray: Dissolve salt in warm water and spray it over termite-affected areas. The salt draws out moisture from their bodies, causing them to die slowly. (News18 Telugu)
Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline): Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly to termite-infested wood. It blocks airflow, suffocating the termites over time. (News18 Telugu)
Clove Oil Spray: Mix three drops of clove oil in half a cup of water and spray it on affected areas. The strong aroma and natural compounds in clove oil instantly kill termites. (News18 Telugu)
Boric Acid Powder: Boric acid is a well-known insect killer. Sprinkle the powder directly or mix it with water and spray on the affected area. Termites ingest the poison and die shortly after. (News18 Telugu)
Tips To Prevent Future Termite Attacks: Once the infestation is under control, it’s essential to take steps to prevent it from happening again. For this, keep wooden furniture dry at all times. Fix any leaks in walls, ceilings or pipes promptly, as termites are drawn to moisture. Use termite-resistant woods like cedar or redwood while making furniture, and opt for chemical treatment if needed. Watch for early signs such as hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes, or termite droppings (frass). (News18 Telugu)
If home remedies do not work or the infestation is severe, it is advisable to contact professional pest control services to avoid further damage. (News18 Telugu)
