How to Kill Termites in Lawn
Termites are persistent pests that destroy wooden structures but do not worry because there are ways of killing them. You can get rid of termites in lawns using baits, application of chemical insecticides, or applying professional treatment. However, one of the most effective ways to eliminate termites is to cut their food source (wood).
However, it is essential to learn about how they infest buildings and what sources exist to protect oneself from this pest. In this blog post, we will learn how to kill termites on the lawn, their life cycle, and ways of eliminating them.
Termites Facts and Biology
Termites are small insects that live in family units. They eat wood and other organic matter. There are around 2000 species of termites known to scientists.
The most commonly occurring are the “subterranean” termite. These insects live in nests underground and inside trees. They feed on cellulose found in all plants, including wood, paper, fiber products, dead tree limbs, etc.
Termites attach their nest to one or more wooden support beams or wooden walls of the buildings. However, they do not eat the wood in which they reside. Instead, they feed on the cellulose found in wood and other organic materials within its reach.
Termites are among the most destructive insect pests that attack hardwood trees, logs, or wooden structures.
6 Common Signs to Detect Termite Infestation in Your Lawn:
It is necessary to understand that termite infestation need not always be evident. You need to know the signs of their infestation before we know how to kill termites in lawns. The presence of just one or two of the following symptoms can also indicate that termites are present in your lawn:
1. Sunken Spots On Wooden Flooring:
When termites feed on wood, they tend to create tiny tunnels on the surface of the wood. Since wood is not a homogenous substance, termites can eat through the outer layers of the wood while leaving the inner part intact.
This results in tiny holes on the surface of the wood known as ‘galleries.’ When you inspect these galleries, you will notice that they are only visible on one side of the board.
2. Shifting Wood:
Termites can create tunnels under the surface of your wooden floors. These tunnels serve as means of transportation and forage for termites. Along with these, they also spin silk threads between themselves to make a connection among their colonies.
As a result, when you shift one piece of wooden flooring, you might notice clumps of dirt or mud on the other end. This is a sure-shot sign that termites are present in your lawn.
3. Sawdust Along Food Holes:
When termites bore through wood, they create tiny tunnels within it to feed upon sapwood and cellulose found inside the wooden structure. When these insects munch upon wood, they produce sawdust. This sawdust piles up in the form of tiny particles outside their tunnels, which you can easily spot along food holes.
4. Fine Powder Covering Wood:
Termites create a protective layer on the wood surface that they eat to prevent microbial or fungal growth due to their saliva secretions. However, if their food source is removed to dryness, they tend to accumulate it in the form of fine powder.
If you notice such a film on the surface of your wooden flooring or walls, it might indicate termites are present under them.
5. Flying Insects:
At times, flying insects inside your house can be a sure-shot sign of termite infestation. Termite swarmers are dark in color and have a shiny body that is hard to miss.
If you notice any such flying insects near your window or door, it might indicate that these pests are living in your vicinity. To be on the safer side, spray insecticides over the surroundings of your house.
6. Saw-like Marks on Surfaces:
Termites create tiny grooves on the surface of wood, which is similar to saw marks. This happens when other insects make their nests inside termite tunnels or when you can spot larvae pupae inside these tunnels.
You Can Check It Out to Store Firewood to Avoid Termites
7 Effective Methods: How to Kill Termites in Lawn
Termites are persistent pests that destroy wooden structures. The damage caused by the insects can cost homeowners thousands of dollars to repair structural cracks to their houses. But do not worry because there are ways of killing them.
Here are some simple methods that may help on how to kill termites in lawn:
1) Use Baits.
Termites are attracted to the smell of dead animals and plants. You can use these scents to lure them into a trap that you have prepared beforehand. For example, take banana peels or peanut butter and place it on a jar containing an insecticide inside.
Ensure the jar’s content does not harm the other plants on your lawn. For example, you can put two raw eggs into the pot to kill termites that come near it because of their smell. Do not forget to place this trap at least 5 meters from where you are sowing your seeds for plants or trees.
2) Use Chemical Insecticides.
Some chemicals have been known to kill termites quickly. You can acquire these from your local hardware store or you can even prepare them yourself. For example, mix water with boric acid and place it in a spray bottle. Then, use this mixture as a pesticide and sprinkle it all over your lawn whenever you see termite infestations.
3) Apply For Professional Treatment.
If you’re too busy to do the methods mentioned above, it might be best to get professional treatment of your lawn. The cost is not as expensive as you think and many offer discounts or free services. You can also contact pest control agencies near you for better deals.
4) Cut Termite’s Source of Food (Wood).
One of the most effective ways to eliminate termites is to cut their food source. Termites live in wooden structures, and if you can eliminate any wooden materials inside your house, it may help kill them effectively. You can also change the foundation or base underneath your home if it contains a wooden structure.
5) Use Soil And Oil Mixture To Form Barricades.
Termites need moisture and their food source (wood) to survive; if you remove both, they will surely die eventually. Instead, you can use soil and oil mixture to form small barricades around the structures you want to be protected.
6) Use a Natural Repellent.
Due to termites’ reputation as destructive insects, many homeowners resort to using insecticides that are not environment-friendly. However, natural repellents such as the juice from a bitter gourd or neem leaves can help kill termites effectively without causing damage to other living things in your lawn.
7) Plant Certain Seeds.
Some plants can help kill termites efficiently. For example, you can use the eucalyptus tree on your lawn because this plant produces a chemical substance that can repel these insects. You may also plant mint or garlic because of their strong smell, which will eventually drive termites away from your lawn.
Tips to Prevent Termites Infestation in the Future:
Termite infestations are challenging to get rid of, but they can be prevented in any manner. We have already discussed on how to kill termites in lawns in the previous section. Here we will give some preventive measures that you can keep in mind to prevent termites infestation:
1. Remove all dead plant material from around your house. It is one of the most common hiding places for termites.
2. Do not place firewood, lumber, or other wooden materials close to your house because termites love wood.
3. Install door sweeps under the exterior doors of your home. They help prevent termites from entering your homes.
4. Fix any plumbing leaks. Termites are attracted to water and will come looking for it once they smell it leaking from somewhere in your house.
5. Fix any leaky or dripping faucets because termites also love moisture, and they will come looking for it once they smell it leaking from somewhere in your house.
6. Keep the soil around your home’s foundation clear of debris like wood, leaves, bricks, etc., because these are widespread hiding places for termites.
7. Keep the swimming pool in your backyard clean. Termites love to stay in dark and damp places, so checking on your collection once in a while is necessary.
8. Check the foundation of your home for cracks and crevices, which can be a significant source of termite infestation.
Frequently Asked Question
What Kills Termite Naturally?
There are many ways to kill a termite, but the most effective method is to use a pesticide. Some of the most common pesticides used to kill termites include D-limonene, pyrethrum, and permethrin. These pesticides are effective because they inhibit the termite’s synthesis of their protective waxes. Additionally, these pesticides can also kill the termite’s food and water sources, preventing them from reproducing.
While using a pesticide is the most effective way to kill a termite, it is important to use it safely and responsibly. Make sure to read the label and follow all safety precautions before using it. Additionally, seal off any openings in the structure where the termites are living so they cannot escape. Finally, call a professional if you are experiencing any adverse effects from using a pesticide.
What Do You Do if You Find Termites in Your Yard?
If you find termites in your yard, the first thing you should do is hire a professional. Termites are dangerous and can cause extensive damage if not treated correctly. They may also carry harmful diseases, so it is important to take proper precautions. Contact a trusted exterminator who will treat the area using the correct method and protocol.
What Kills Termites Instantly?
There is no one answer to this question, as the best way to kill termites depends on the type of termite you are dealing with and the environment in which they live. However, some of the most common methods that are used to kill termites include baiting with food, using electronic shockers, using poison foggers, and using liquid nitrogen.
Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the one that is most appropriate for the situation. For example, baiting with food can be effective in attracting termites to a specific area where they can be killed, while poison foggers can effectively kill termites in a large area. Electronic shockers are useful for small areas that need to be controlled quickly, while liquid nitrogen can be used to kill termites in their nests.
Why Are There Termites on My Lawn?
There are many possible reasons why you might see termites on your lawn, and the most common ones include the following:
- Your home was built on an old termite mound
- You have an infestation of subterranean termites
- You have introduced new termites to your yard
- You have an incorrect soil pH
- You have a wet or moist environment
Each of these factors can lead to an infestation of termites, and when that happens, you will see colonies of the critters inside and outside your home. It is important to take action before termites cause extensive damage to your property. One way to do this is to inspect your home for signs of an infestation and if you find any, call a termite specialist. He or she will be able to identify the source of the problem and provide you with a treatment plan.
Are Termites Good for Soil?
There is some debate on whether or not termites are good for the soil, but the general consensus is that they are. Termites are known to create underground galleries that help to aerate the soil and improve water retention. Additionally, they consume and destroy the roots of grass and other plants, which helps to reduce the number of nutrients that those plants can absorb. This can lead to a decline in plant populations, but it also leads to a decline in weed populations and other pests.
So, in short, termites are good for the soil because they help improve its aeration, nutrition, and pest control. However, their presence should not be taken lightly, as they can cause damage if not treated properly. Always contact a qualified professional if you consider eradicating termites from your property.
Conclusion:
Termites are one of the worst pests because they can destroy any wooden structures in your home. This is because they feed on wood, but luckily there are several ways to kill them that you could try out at home.
In this blog post, we have mentioned several effective ways on how to kill termites in lawns. One way is by cutting their food source, which means making sure any old wood is removed from your property and replaced with materials like metal or brick.
Another option for getting rid of termites in lawn would be to use a bait trap, insecticide, or professional treatment service if you have an infestation problem. While it’s not always easy to work killing these persistent creatures, doing so will protect all the hard work you’ve put into maintaining your yard over time!
