This research was conducted as part of a broader campaign studying various topics from a sustainable perspective with the goal of supporting local businesses, that might want to contribute their expert opinion.
What is a Termite?
Termites are social insects that live in colonies and feed primarily on cellulose, an organic compound found in wood and other plant materials. They are known for their ability to destroy wood and wooden structures, making them a dangerous pest for buildings and homes. Their activity can go unnoticed for years, causing significant damage before being discovered.
Types of Termites in Mainland Spain
In mainland Spain, the most common termites are:
- Subterranean Termites (Reticulitermes): These termites build their nests in the soil and create mud tunnels to reach wood sources. They are the most destructive due to their large numbers and ability to consume wood quickly.
- Drywood Termites (Kalotermes flavicollis): These termites do not need contact with the soil and can infest dry wood directly. They are often found in furniture and dry wood structures within homes.
Signs of Termite Infestation
If you suspect your home may be infested with termites, it’s crucial to know the common signs of infestation. Identifying these symptoms early can help you act quickly to minimise damage.
- Wood tunnels and swollen wood: The presence of tunnels inside the wood indicates termites have been feeding. Swollen wood can be a sign of internal damage and structural weakness.
- Termite mud tubes: Subterranean termites build these mud tubes for protection while searching for food. They are easily visible on foundations and walls.
- Small wood-colored droppings: Drywood termites leave behind droppings that look like small wood pellets.
- Clicking sounds and discarded wings: Winged termites leave discarded wings near windows and doors. Clicking sounds may indicate termite activity inside the wood.
- Tight-fitting doors/windows: Termites can cause the wood to swell, making doors and windows difficult to open or close.
- Discolored dry wall and peeling paint without water damage: These are signs of termite activity inside walls.
Termite Prevention
Prevention is the best way to protect your home from termite damage. Therefore, implementing proper preventive measures can help you avoid an infestation.
Keep the House Dry and Well-Drained
Termites like moisture. Keeping the grounds around the house well-drained and dry is crucial to avoid attracting them. Make sure drainage directs water away from the house.
- Reduce moisture: Keeping the soil around the house well-drained helps prevent termites from finding a favorable moist environment.
- Repair leaks: Check for roof leaks and ensure exterior taps do not drip. Leaks can create the moist conditions termites need.
- Direct condensation away from the house: Use dehumidifiers and properly ventilate enclosed spaces to prevent moisture buildup.
Keep Plants and Food Sources Away from the House
Plants can be a food source for termites due to their cellulose content. If you like to grow plants, there are steps you can take to avoid inviting termites to your home.
- Keep cellulose-based debris away from the house: Do not store firewood near the foundations and remove old tree stumps, as they are an ideal food source for termites.
- Keep the lawn short and regularly raked: A well-maintained lawn reduces the risk of attracting termites.
- Keep vines and ivy away from the building: Climbing plants can provide an access route for termites.
Create Barriers and Perform Maintenance
Creating physical barriers and performing regular maintenance can be very effective in preventing termite infestations.
- Keep wood siding at least 16 centimetres off the ground: This reduces the risk of subterranean termites accessing the wooden structure.
- Maintain an 11 centimetre barrier between mulch and the house: Mulch can retain moisture and attract termites. Keeping a barrier will help reduce this risk.
- Seal cracks around water and gas lines with caulk or foam sealant: Termites can enter through foundation cracks. Sealing them reduces this risk.
- Patch cracks in the foundation and seal cracks or leaks in pipes: This prevents termite entry and moisture accumulation.
Use Natural Products and Repellents
Using natural products and repellents can be an effective and eco-friendly way to keep termites away. Incorporating these solutions into your prevention plan can provide additional protection.
- Catnip1: The essential oil contains nepetalactone, a natural insect repellent that could help keep termites away.
- Lemongrass oil2: Lemongrass oil has repellent properties and can be useful in preventing termites.
- Repellent plants: Planting cilantro, dill, fennel, sunflower, wild mustard, and chilli pepper plants can help repel termites and other pests.
While it seems to be unknown if growing catnip can help deter termites, consider the potential trade-off: a garden frequented by cats exhibiting unusual behaviors. Is this a compromise you’re willing to make?
Termite Treatment
If you already have an infestation, it’s essential to act quickly to eliminate termites. A combination of treatment methods can effectively eradicate the pest.
- Eliminate termites with chemical and natural products: Using specific chemical products or natural solutions like vinegar[3] and lemon can repel and kill termites.
- Expose to sunlight: Place infested items in the sun for three consecutive days to dry out the wood and kill the termites. Sun exposure is an effective natural method.
- Keep exterior lights off: Winged termites are attracted to light. Keeping exterior lights off at night can help prevent their attraction to the house.
Vinegar hasn’t been demonstrated scientifically to be the most effective but it it may help contribute to treatment.
Natural Predators
Several natural predators can help control termite populations. These include:
- Woodpeckers
- Crows
- Blue jays
- Sparrows
- Ants
- Dragonflys
- Bats
- Chickens
- Ducks
Depending on your situation, especially if you have a garden, you might consider taking steps to attract or keep these natural predators. However, it is also important to think about the potential downsides.
For example, bats can be beneficial for controlling termites, but they may also bring other issues. It is essential to consider all options and decide what is best for your home and garden.
What is the best treatment for termites?
Ultimately, the best treatment for termites depends on your specific situation, but it’s advisable to take preventative measures wherever possible.
Consider utilising sunlight when feasible and opting for non-toxic solutions to protect human health.
You should always seek the advice of an expert to avoid harming human health trying to remove pests from the home.
Studies & Precautions
Some studies demonstrate the effectiveness of these treatments. Naturally, any treatment should be applied with protective gear, especially when using substances like chilli.
1: Peterson CJ, Ems-Wilson J. Catnip essential oil as a barrier to subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in the laboratory. J Econ Entomol. 2003 Aug;96(4):1275-82. doi: 10.1603/0022-0493-96.4.1275. PMID: 14503601.
2: Meisyara, Dita & Himmi, S. Khoirul & Tarmadi, Didi & Ismayati, M & Wikantyoso, Bramantyo & Fajar, Anugerah & Guswenrivo, Ikhsan & Yusuf, Sulaeman. (2021). Anti-termite activities of Indonesia’s essential oils against invasive drywood termite for wood product protection. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. 918. 012032. 10.1088/1755-1315/918/1/012032.
3: Daniels, Catherine & Miller, Timothy. (2015). Pesticide Ingredient: Acetic Acid/Vinegar.