Why DIY Termite Solution Can be Harmful 

Termite bait monitoring stations and insecticides

The insecticide is directly applied to wooden surfaces and placed in bait monitoring stations or introduced into building materials. The idea is for the termites to be exposed to the insecticide, return to their colony and share the poison with the other termites. The problem is that termites are not attracted to the bait stations and just happen to discover them.

Heat

This method can actually be effective. However, the air must be heated to a temperature between 120 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 35 minutes. This is quite hard to achieve without the aid of a professional.

Orange Oil. This is said to work against drywood termites and their eggs. Because it is only a spot treatment, it only targets drywood termites, not subterranean termites. Orange can damage furniture and wood structures. It can also be inefficient as it only kills 77% of termites.

Cardboard traps

The corrugated is moistened to attract termites. When termites begin to feed on the cellulose, the cardboard is removed and burned. This method doesn’t guarantee that all termites will be trapped by the cardboard. Because it only takes a couple of termites to restart a colony, if there are termites that remain alive after the treatment.

Sunlight

Exposing termite-infested furniture to the sun to kill termites might work only if a certain level of heat is achieved and maintained.

Beneficial nematodes

These are tiny parasites that love to eat insects like termites. The problems with this treatment is first, the nematodes will die if they are exposed to too much sunlight or becomes too dry. Second, it is a guarantee that nematodes will eliminate all termites.

Boric Acid

This substance will interfere with termite digestion when ingested. This digestive interference can cause termites to die. However, it is impossible to apply the boric acid on all places where termites will reach it. Additionally, if the wood is too dry, it will not absorb the boric acid, and therefore, not effective against termites.