So you have a termite problem, and are wondering does salt kill termites? What can one use to treat this problem?
Termites are such a nuisance for gardeners as they naturally occur in soils. If you find termites in the garden, it means they have found a good source of food. Termites feed on cellulose that exists in either wood or plant remains.
Termites tend to stay hidden first before spreading especially in an outdoor setting. It’s very hard to spot termites when they are in the larvae stage. However, once they grow, they are attracted to the light and become active in your garden.
Termites can be detrimental to wood structures, that’s why it’s best to destroy them. So does salt kill termites? Let’s learn all about it.
Does Epsom Salt Kill Termites?
Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral that can be used in a hundred ways around your home and garden. Many gardeners swear by this inexpensive product, however, personal opinions can be mixed.
Epsom is used in various ways and one of them is to kill termites. This falls in the category of using Epsom as an insect solution. Here are a few ways you can use Epsom salt to kill termites.
As a Mixture. Mix about 240ml of Epsom salt and 5 gallons of water and spray this where you have termites and any other destructive insects. Spray a good amount of this mixture several times in case some insects are too stubborn to die. In the case of termites, spray repeatedly so you can destroy the larvae too. This product not only kills insects but it deters them from your home and garden.
As Dry Epsom Salt. Sprinkling dry Epsom salt in areas where you notice termites or slugs is an effective measure. Epsom salt is known for its effect on insects by drying them up to the point of death. You can use the dry Epsom salt around your young seedlings to keep insects away from them. As a bonus, your seedlings benefit from a boost of magnesium and sulfur.
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How Else Can You Kill Termites?
1. By keeping the moisture levels under control
Termites are attracted to damp places. If you are a homeowner, you need to keep watch on damp areas or wood around your yard. This can become an ideal breeding ground for termites.
In any place where moisture collects, termites will breed there in large numbers. Be sure to remove all such breeding grounds and if it proves impossible, pour a generous amount of Epsom salts in the moist areas to eliminate termites.
Remove every item that causes the ground to be too moist, especially if you live in areas that have a high likelihood of breeding termites. Keep an eye on areas that are pooling water across your garden and yard.
2. Use nematodes to kill termites
Nematodes are naturally occurring roundworms and they can kill termites. They are an effective natural insecticide because of their gut bacterium. Once a nematode enters a termite’s body, it releases bacteria that start to slowly kill it.
Nematodes are easy to find because they live in a variety of habitats. They do not cause any harm to plants, pets, or humans thus a very organic way to deal with termites. When you introduce nematodes to your garden, they will serve you for a lifetime because they will continue to multiply while keeping the termites at bay. They breed very fast and can start as fast as the first 24 to 48 hours after they are first released. Even if you are facing a huge termite threat, nematodes can kill a ton of termites and other household insects within a very short time.
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3. Go for boric acid
Boric acid is available in powder form and is one of the best ways to eliminate destructive insects. This acid once ingested, complicates termites or any other insect’s digestive system eventually leading to death. This will take about 3 to 7 days for the acid to work in the insects.
Boric acid is also friendly and less toxic compared to other acids. To use it, prepare a simple concoction of boric acid powder, sugar, and water to attract the termites. Be sure to use a dust mask and goggles when preparing this mixture. The termites will start moving the boric acid back to their colony and start to die off. Add this mixture for 3 to 5 days until you cannot see any termites left.
How Does Salt Kill Termites?
You may be wondering how salt kills termites, and it’s pretty simple really. Salt works as dehydration for termites. If you’re familiar with termites, you’ll know that to thrive, they need a moist environment. With salt acting as a dehydrator, this means that they will dry out and eventually die from lack of water and moisture.
However, depending on the type of termite, it may not be as effective as other methods. For example, if you have dry or damp wood termites, it won’t work as well, and you may need another solution.
Does Epsom Salt Kill Termites?
Yes. The reason Epsom salt kills termites is that it has a high level of magnesium and the magnesium will destroy the termites. What’s great about Epsom salt is that it isn’t harmful to plants or humans too; which isn’t the case for other types of pesticides.
Will Epsom Salt Kill Nematodes?
You may be curious as to whether Epsom salt kills nematodes. And the truth is, it isn’t known whether it kills them or not. As they can survive in so many environments, and some are good, while others are bad; it is simply not known. If you are concerned about a nematode infestation, try using a product that is made to eliminate nematodes, for best results.
Does Epsom Salt Keep Bugs Away?
So we’ve established that Epsom salt can kill bugs, but can they keep bugs away? The answer is…absolutely! It’s thought to both kill bugs and keep them away, which is why it’s such a great solution to use. Use around a cup of Epsom salt for every 5 gallons of water. Mix well, and then add using a sprayer.
How Do I Permanently Get Rid of Termites?
Permanently getting rid of termites can be a challenge. However, there are many ways you can do this. Let’s take a closer look.
- Liquid barrier. This works to keep termites away, as well as exterminate any that are already there. What’s great about this method is that you can use it inside and outside of your home.
- Bait. If your termite problem is smaller, try using a small amount of poisoned bait. This is just as effective as the liquid method, but simply less radical.
- Boric acid. This method works on termites, as well as other bugs. It will take around 3-7 days for your termites to be exterminated. This method is good if you’re looking for a less toxic method.
- Diatomaceous earth. If you’re looking for a method that is 100% non-toxic and completely natural, this is the method for you. It’s a slightly slower way of killing termites, but they will eventually dry out and die.
- Chemical treatment. We recommend only using this method outside, as it’s not ideal to have in your home. It’s also one of the easiest methods to obtain too.
- Good nematodes. Another natural option is using good nematodes. This will only work if your termite problem is on the smaller side. These types of nematodes usually eat insects, like termites.
What Does Salt Do to Termites?
Salt simply dehydrates termites. They begin to dry out and then will eventually die from lack of moisture and water.
What Scent Do Termites Hate?
There are many scents that termites do not like. Some of these include:
- cloves
- tea tree oil
- cinnamon
- garlic
- geranium
- cedarwood
Conclusion: Does Salt Kill Termites?
I hope this post has helped to answer the question: does salt kill termites? Knowing the best way to eliminate termites will save you time and money. Avoid using over-the-counter insect spray or pine sleepers, or even relocation methods in fighting termites.
Insect sprays are known to kill plants and not termites; some of the termites on the surface might be affected but the deeper problem is left untouched. If you have a big termite infestation, use Epsom salt or nematodes. These are some of the best methods you can trust.
So next time someone asks you does Epsom salt kill termites, you know how to answer. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to eliminating termites? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
FAQs
Does Epsom salt keep bugs away?
Epsom salt is able to keep different types of bugs away as it kills them slowly. Epsom salt is friendly to use in the garden, in human life, and with your pets.
What does salt do to termites?
Epsom salt is effective on insects and termites alike. Once fed, the insects and termites start to dry off to the point of death within a few days of ingestion.
How do I permanently get rid of termites?
Using Epsom salt for a good amount of time, it will eliminate even the larvae. You can also use nematodes which is an organic way to destroy termites and other insects.
What scent do termites hate?
Termites love to eat a lot of plants and trees, however, it has been recorded that termites do not like the smell of cinnamon, cedarwood, geranium, tea tree oil, garlic buds, and gloves. Termites have an antenna to smell making it easy to choose their food source.
Brian is an avid gardener who loves spending time outdoors. He is passionate about using his green thumb to create beautiful, lush gardens for her friends and family. He finds joy in tending to her garden, trimming plants, and cultivating new species. He enjoys to share his knowledge and experience with others with a similar gardening enthusiasm. Brian is a true nature enthusiast and a has true passion for the outdoors.
