Termites are a common menace during the rainy season as they thrive in humid conditions. They not only eat away at wooden furniture but also damage walls by building nests. This not only spoils the appearance of the house but also weakens the structure, leading to cracks and dampness. (News18 Telugu)
If ignored, termite infestation can lead to costly repairs. However, it is not always necessary to rely on expensive chemicals to tackle them. With simple ingredients available in the kitchen, termites can be repelled effectively at less than Rs 50. Here are some tried-and-tested remedies. (News18 Telugu)
Neem Powder: At the first sign of termite mounds on walls, clean the area thoroughly. Scrape off the mounds with a broom and wipe with a cloth dipped in hot water to break their pathways. Once dry, spray the wall with a solution made of dried neem leaves and water. Neem acts as a natural pesticide and helps ward off termites in the early stages. (News18 Telugu)
Bitter Gourd and Neem Mixture: Grind a bitter gourd to extract its juice and mix it with neem paste. Dilute the mixture with water, pour into a spray bottle, and apply to infested walls. The combined bitterness of bitter gourd and neem destroys termite habitats. In severe cases, repeat the spray two or three times. (News18 Telugu)
Asafoetida Spray: Termites cannot tolerate strong odours, and the smell of asafoetida (hing) is particularly lethal to them. Mix half a teaspoon of asafoetida powder in water, pour into a spray bottle, and apply to termite mounds and marks. The smell kills termites instantly and drives away the rest. For best results, clean the area after an hour and reapply. (News18 Telugu)
Salt Water Solution: Salt dehydrates termites, killing them from within. Dissolve a handful of salt in warm water and spray it directly into termite holes or across infested walls. Repeat every two days until the problem is resolved completely. (News18 Telugu)
Clove Water Spray: Cloves contain natural oils with insecticidal properties. Grind two tablespoons of cloves, soak them in half a glass of water for three hours, and strain the liquid. Spray this clove water on termite-infested walls to kill existing termites and create a protective barrier against future infestation. (News18 Telugu)
Black Pepper Paste: The compound capsaicin in black pepper causes inflammation in termites, killing them instantly. Mix pepper with warm water and spray into termite holes. For deeper nests, prepare a thicker paste and apply directly to the holes for maximum effect. (News18 Telugu)
With these inexpensive and natural solutions, homeowners can keep termite infestations under control without resorting to harsh chemicals or costly treatments. (News18 Telugu)
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Author: News18
