Natural Termite Treatment

Many people are very cognizant about the chemicals that we use to control pests which is why there is a new trend toward natural termite treatment to rid our structures of these pesky and damaging insects.  While the use of chemicals is the most effective way to get rid of termites, you can still take measure with natural termite treatment to minimize the damage and keep termites out of your home or building.

Natural termite treatment is the use of termite prevention and control without chemical use. Instead, physical controls are installed during construction such as sand barriers or metal termite shields. If termite infestation does occur, least toxic methods of treatment are used.  What that means is that natural termite treatment is geared toward keeping those pests out instead of killing those who have already gotten in.  

What you really need to do is use natural termite treatment to prevent termites from coming into your structure in the first place.  That means you won’t use chemicals to keep those pesky termites away, but you will use certain strategies to make sure that they have no food sources that will attract them to your place.  

One of the first things you can do in natural termite treatment is to remove any source of chronic moisture since termites are attracted to damp wood for their food source.  Moist soil is necessary for termites to survive. Termites travel back and forth between soil and food sources because they must obtain moisture from the soil. In addition, capillary action and water vapor buildup can result in excessive dampness which can actually wick through a concrete slab or masonry foundation to the wood framing above it, thus attracting termites. 

In above-ground foundations, moisture barrier films such as 6 mil polyethylene can be used to cover the area under the structure. This will help decrease moisture buildup in sub-flooring. Foundation wall vents should be placed to provide cross ventilation for homes with crawl spaces. If re-grading or remodeling covers vents, additional vents may be needed. Some experts recommend the use of moisture barriers under slab foundations as well in natural termite treatment programs. 

Areas subject to moisture build-up, such as bathrooms, should be given special attention since they are likely to be attack areas. Areas under tubs and drains leading to the exterior (such as air conditioner drains) should be considered vulnerable spots. This is a very important part of natural termite treatment since elimination of moisture will take away the termite’s food source and they won’t come for a visit!

Natural termite treatment is a great way to keep our environment healthy and ecologically sound.  We should do what we can to make sure that our Earth survives despite our use of chemicals – and natural termite treatment is a great place to start.
