How Can You Treat Wood to Prevent Termites?
WouterTermites are a very dangerous pest. These insects cause a lot of damage to homes and buildings. However, there are ways to treat wood to prevent them from causing a problem.
First, make sure that the wood isn’t moist. If the wood is damp, it is an easy place for termites to live. You can prevent this by making sure the drains, pipes, and air conditioning systems are clear.
Secondly, you can use a borate-based chemical treatment solution. This is available online and in many home and garden stores. It should be mixed with water to make a spray. Once sprayed on the surface, the solution will soak into the wood and stay active for a long time.
Another common treatment is orange oil. This is a contact killer that kills termites on contact. It is best used for drywood species of termites.
Lastly, you can apply salt or warm water to the infested areas. This method may be effective for a short period of time, but the treatment will eventually stop working.
Other treatments include using neem oil. This natural oil contains a compound called d-limonene. It can be applied repeatedly on wooden furniture until the termites have been eliminated.
If you are unable to treat the wood yourself, you can purchase pre-treated lumber at the lumber depot. The treated wood has been treated with a chemical preservative to ward off the infestation. This can be a more convenient option than treating the wood yourself.
