Termite infestation is a common nuisance in homes. These pesky insects damage property and have the potential to cause serious health implications. Getting rid of them is a priority for homeowners, as their presence can threaten a structure’s stability.
What are termites?
These insects live most of their lives hidden from sight. However, they will periodically leave their nests due to overcrowding or territorial issues. When they do so, you might spot swarms of ants or even see them flying around your home. If that happens, it means that you have an infestation on your hands and should take action immediately before they start causing damage to walls, ceilings, and other parts of your home.
Some people prefer to do the pest control themselves, while others choose to hire professionals. However, before you make any decisions, consider some of the best ways to get rid of flying termites safely and quickly.
How you get rid of flying termites
Use caulk
As mentioned above, these insects leave their nests to look for food or space. Therefore, if they can’t get back into your home after finding what they are looking for, they will eventually give up and look for new nesting grounds elsewhere. To prevent that from happening, seal all cracks on your walls using a quality caulking compound. Make sure that it dries out completely so that these bugs cannot penetrate it easily. If you don’t have enough time, you can also use spray foam to seal the cracks.
Make your insecticide
If the flying termites have already found their way into your home, all is not lost. You can still try and take matters into your own hands by making a homemade pesticide. All you need to do is mix a cup of Epsom salt with 2 cups of boric acid in a food processor or blender. Once it has been properly mixed, transfer the powder into an old sock or pantyhose and tie off one end to make a tight bag. Toss this homemade bomb as close as you can to the colony’s entrance and watch as it sends these bugs back where they came from! Be sure not to place the bomb too close to your home, as the ingredients could damage it.
Kill them with dish soap and vinegar.
You can easily get rid of flying termites naturally by mixing up equal parts of dish soap and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Once you have mixed these two ingredients well, spray them directly onto the insect’s bodies to send them back to their nests where they belong! If you feel extra industrious, try adding 1 ounce of Castile or peppermint soap into 2 cups of water instead. This homemade mixture is just as effective against the bugs, but it also has pleasant aromas that will make your home smell fresh and clean.
Pour boiling water onto their nests
If you know the exact location of where flying termites live, killing them becomes incredibly easy. All you have to do is pour boiling water directly on their nests! Make sure not to burn yourself by doing so with caution – only adults should attempt this method.
Mix up household ammonia with dish soap
This solution should only be used if you spot termite infestations near your windows or doors. Get rid of flying termites by mixing half a cup of ammonia with a teaspoon of dish soap in a spray bottle. Once you have done that, spray both the solution and the insects directly onto your windows. Remember to wash off your hands thoroughly before touching anything else, as this mixture can cause irritation or burns if it comes into contact with human skin.
Use borax powder
Another way to get rid of flying termites is by sprinkling borax powder near these bugs’ nests, where they will find it easily. Make sure that you do not add too much at once, as this can kill other insects too – which should be avoided at all costs.
Trap them using moats filled with water
These pests are also drawn to moisture, so a great way to get rid of flying termites is by using moats filled with clean water. They will not be able to swim around this obstacle and, as a result, they will fall into the water or drown.
To build your moat trap, all you have to do is fill a small bucket with water and place it near suspected nesting sites. If you prefer a more aesthetically pleasing bug catcher, try using clear vases instead.
Use diatomaceous earth powder
This organic product can also be used for getting rid of flying termites because it dehydrates them when they walk through it. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth powder along baseboards and other areas where these bugs are likely to crawl, then watch as they dry out and die. You will need to repeat this process every few days until the termites are gone for good.
Use essential oils
Essential oils can be used both inside and outside your home to kill flying termites. Try placing 6 drops of peppermint or clove oil in a small spray bottle filled with water, then shake it well before spraying it directly onto the bugs’ bodies – you might want to use an old towel for this job. Another effective trick is to place 2 drops of tea tree oil onto cotton balls, then place them near windows where there is likely to be an activity (but remember that pets should not come into contact with these substances).
Bait them using molasses
As you probably know, these insects are very attracted to sugar and sweet things in general. You can use this knowledge on how to get rid of flying termites by filling jars half full with molasses and placing them around the perimeter of your home (you should do this during the day). The remaining space will be filled with water essential for their survival – but not enough to realize they’ve been tricked.
Use dried blood or shellfish
These ingredients are also attractive to termites, so placing them near nesting areas is another smart way to get rid of flying termites. Dried blood will attract them quickly, so you should place it when they’re most active during the day. To get rid of termites who are still living in their nests, use shellfish. They will be attracted before the product dehydrates them from the inside out.
Mix boric acid with sugar or yeast
Boric acid has been used for hundreds of years as a household pesticide, and it is very efficient against flying termites, too. You can place small amounts of each ingredient into separate bowls and stir them until they form a thick paste. Place this substance near nesting sites, and you should notice results shortly after your first application! Repeat every 2-3 weeks until the infestation is gone, making sure to replace bait if necessary.
Use apple cider vinegar
This natural substance has properties that prevent insect growth – and it is safe for use around food. Pour apple cider vinegar into a spray bottle, apply some of it on cotton balls, and place them near nesting sites. You should be able to notice results after just a few days – but make sure to avoid all open windows as the smell might irritate your nose.
Use a vacuum cleaner
This handy household device is another great way on how to get rid of flying termites. For the best results, follow the product’s instructions regarding use and make sure you don’t press too hard as this might cause damage to your home! Vacuum all areas where these bugs may be hiding – baseboards, cracks in walls, etc.
Hang up sticky traps
There are commercially available products on the market which are very effective against flying termites. All you have to do is place some of them near nesting sites – they will catch most of these insects when they fly around looking for food. These are reusable and can last up to 4 months when properly stored.
Use a spray bottle
You can apply a mixture of water and dish soap directly on termite nests if you have a very accurate pet-safe spray bottle, as this is one of the best ways to get rid of flying termites. Make sure that the solution covers every space where the insects live – it must contact their bodies for maximum results! When possible, make your way into tight spaces by removing baseboards or light switch plates. This will help you locate all nests at once.
Place bay leaves around windows and doors
Termites are not fond of this scent – so placing some near nesting areas will help keep them away. Remember that this is not a permanent fix, so repeat the process every few weeks until you see results.
Conclusion
Homeowners should be careful not to confuse termites with ants. Termites are often found in moist areas like the soil, while most ants prefer dryer environments such as cracks and crevices in your home. If you’re still unsure of what type of insect is invading your space, it’s best to call a pest control professional for help identifying them so they can get rid of them quickly.
