On the one hand, termites play an important role in their ecosystem, on the other, you wouldn’t want a colony to move into your home.
There are various steps you can take to prevent an infestation, from how you maintain your home to some promising studies involving essential oils.
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.
What are termites good for?
Despite the damage they can cause to homes, termites are a useful part of the ecosystem; they are classified as detritivores; a type of decomposer that consumes dead organic matter such as wood and leaf litter.
By breaking down this material, termites help improve soil health and nutrient availability, supporting plant growth within their habitat.
In addition, termites serve as a valuable food source for many animals, including woodpeckers, anteaters, chimpanzees, and even humans in some parts of the world.
You might not be ready to add them to your diet just to keep them out of your home, but given the important role they play in the environment, it’s worth considering prevention methods that cause the least harm.
Signs of Termite Infestation
If you suspect termites may be present in your home, there are several signs to look out for.
Swollen or blistered wood, that sounds hollow when tapped, would suggest internal tunnelling.
Additionally, termites use mud tubes – thin, soil-coloured pathways – for protection when travel between their nest and food source; you might see them along walls or the foundations of your house.
Inside the home, tiny, wood-coloured droppings (frass) can indicate drywood termites. You might also notice discarded wings near windows or doors—left behind by flying termites.
And if you can’t see them you might be able to hear them within the wood. Termites make a faint clicking sound as they feed.
Other signs are easier to overlook: tight-fitting doors or windows may result from wood swelling due to termite damage. And in some cases, peeling paint or discoloured drywall can mimic water damage, but it could actually point to termite activity under the surface.
Termite Prevention
Prevention is the best way to protect your home from termite damage. There are various things that you can do keep them away such as taking measures to repel or avoid attracting them in the first place.
Keep the House Dry and Well-Drained
Moisture is one of the main factors that attract termites, especially subterranean species.
To reduce the risk of infestation, it’s essential to keep the surrounding soil dry and ensure proper drainage around the home. Water should always flow away from the foundations, not pool around them.
Check regularly for leaks in the roof, outdoor taps, or water pipes as even slow drips can create the kind of damp environment termites seek.
Indoors, make sure enclosed areas are well ventilated, and consider using dehumidifiers in spaces prone to condensation. Good airflow and dry conditions are a good way to avoid attracting termites.
Keep Plants and Food Sources Away from the House
Termites feed on cellulose, which is found not only in wood but also in many plants.
Avoid stacking firewood or plant debris near your walls, and if you have a garden, be sure to remove any old tree stumps that might provide shelter for a colony.
And if you have climbing plants like ivy or vines, make sure they don’t create bridges between soil and structure—these can act as hidden highways for termites.
Additionally keeping wooden structures like beams, steps, or decking elevated at least 16 centimetres off the ground can reduce termite access.
Likewise, keep mulch away from exterior walls, as it holds moisture and can create an easy entry point.
Can Essential Oils Keep Termites Away?
Tea Tree Oil
There is a study that suggests that not only can tea tree oil keep damp wood termites away, but the termites also have the capacity to learn to stay away.
Can plants repel termites?
Possibly not.
Any studies on plants repelling termites seem to usually reference the oil extract, with seemingly little research on whether the plant itself can be a deterrent.
Chrysanthemums could be your best bet as a repellent. It contains pyrethrin that is used in many pesticides and National Geographic called it the deadliest flower in the insect world.
But the extract, often used in pesticides, has been shown to be highly toxic to honey bees and fish, as well as having the potential to harm human health.
But there plants that have a reputation for being insect repellent include:
- Catnip
- Garlic
- Lemongrass
- Mint
Can Essential Oils Kill Termites?
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the chemical responsible making chillis spicy. There is some debate as to whether insects have pain receptors to notice it but it is suggested that it can damage cell membranes and affect their nervous system.
In one study it was found to kill termites even when diluted with 50% water.
The downside of capsaicin is that it is also toxic to beneficial insects and spiders.
D-limonene
D-limonene is an oil found in citrus peel. One study in the United States found that it can kill termites. Also, d-limonene is considered a chemical with low toxicity and Beyond Pesticides recommend it as a safe alternative to avoid harming honey bees.
The study also suggested that termites won’t burrow where the oil is present, so it could help keep termites away in general.
Garlic
There is a study to suggest that Garlic extract can kill termites, but it can also be toxic to bees and their larvae.
Can Nature Help Control Termites?
Under the right circumstances, encouraging natural predators in your outdoor space can help reduce termite activity. Naturally, this kind of passive pest control works best in gardens or semi-rural settings.
However, while employing nature to do the work for you sounds ideal, it’s not without challenges. For example, ants are natural predators of termites, but you don’t want to invite them into your home either.
Likewise, keeping chickens can offer benefits beyond fresh eggs. They prey on insects, but they also require space, care, and aren’t suitable for all properties.
But if you want to explore the opportunitiy, some common termite predators include:
- Woodpeckers
- Crows
- Blue jays
- Sparrows
- Ants
- Dragonflies
- Chickens
- Ducks
Conclusion
There’s plenty of evidence to suggest it is possible to prevent and treat termite infestations cost-effectively and without causing undue harm to humans, pets or the surrounding environment.
Natural options such as a essential oils might not be suitable in every case, but they offer some promising alternatives.
However, if you’re concerned that you have a termite infestation, it’s always worth getting advice from a qualified expert.