Can Hot Water Kill Termites?

Can Hot Water Kill Termites? Termites are a real menace for homeowners. They can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage in just a quick few years, so prevention methods for termites are essential. One such prevention method is to use hot water because termites don’t like it.

Can Hot Water Kill Termites?

Yes, but only if you bring it to a boil. Thankfully, boiling water can be achieved with a variety of devices in the kitchen, such as an electric kettle or microwave. Note that microwaves are not 100% effective because they often leave enough termites alive to continue infesting your home.

The best way to kill termites is by pouring boiling water into the tube-shaped galleries they build around your house before their feed on wood. This will ensure that all the termites are killed and prevent them from returning later.

How Do Termite Colonies Survive Changes in Temperature?

Termites survive changes in temperature by regulating gas exchange with their body heat. They do this by opening or closing air pockets in their wings or through small tubes connected to their breathing tubes (tracheae).

The termites can choose when the air is colder and the outside temperature rises.

First, they can stay in their nest and wait for the air to warm up inside them. Alternatively, they can begin to generate body heat that warms the air around them. This temperature change also affects their metabolism, which could make them move or dig deeper into the ground if not for a way to regulate their body temperatures internally through gas exchange.

Termites can be seemingly harmless when gnawing away on wooden window frames and tree bark. However, these insects can wreak havoc in your home if they consume your home’s insulation, invade the electrical system, or chew through structural beams. For this reason, it’s essential to eliminate them before they can cause any significant damage.

How To Eliminate Termites?

Use Termite Baits

Termite baits contain poisonous foods that attract termites and kill them upon consumption. Once ingested by the termites, they die soon afterward. You must be careful in using baits, as products that contain toxins can seriously harm the environment and your health. You don’t want to breathe toxic fumes or get sprayed with harmful chemicals.

One of the most common ways to get rid of termites is by using a sticky substance called waxy poison. These baits are designed to kill termites if they reach their nest. The active ingredients in these products are usually oil and wax, which, once eaten by the insects, causing them to starve and die within hours.

Heat Them Up

If you want to get rid of termites naturally, you can place a space heater near the infested area and keep it on for some time. The heat will dehydrate them and kill them. However, please be careful when you use this method. You don’t want the termites to escape or damage the other parts of your home. Also, a thermometer ensures the temperature stays within 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Use Boric Acid

Boric acid is another natural and effective way to eliminate termites in your home. All you have to do is mix some boric acid with water, ensuring that it covers all surfaces exposed to where the insects may be hiding. This is not an advisable method to use if you are allergic to boric acid. Also, you will have to repeat this process if the termites return.

Use Dead Ants

There are plenty of insects that feed on termite colonies. If you locate the nest, use a shovel or trowel and dig up the nest. Once it’s exposed, shake or smash dead ants into the nest and wait for them to kill the termites inside. Because ants carry harmful microbes, this method can be dangerous if you are allergic to them or if the insects aren’t dead.

Eliminate the Food Source

Another option is to change the food sources. If you can pinpoint where the termites are coming from, you can find new areas where they won’t form a colony. There are several types of food sources that can attract them, such as sugar water and sugar-based products. Also, remember the sugar in your coffee or tea.

Could you be sure to remove this item after one day since it is enough time for the termites to get used to it as their new food source? Most importantly, you should not leave any food on tables or counters that might allow rats and other pests to access those areas. You should also ensure that no one leaves pet food or dirty dishes out too long.

Use Copper Tape

This is a safe and effective way to kill termites naturally in your home. The substance can kill termites and prevent them from building their nest. It is also non-toxic to people, animals, and the environment. However, it won’t eradicate the termites within your home. You will have to repeat this process for several days until you’re sure all of them are gone.

Use Naphthalene Powder

This is one of the most effective ways of naturally killing termites in your home. The substance has ingredients that can make the insects sick and slowly push them away from your house. You can mix naphthalene powder with a sugary drink or a boric acid solution, then spot it in areas where termites are known to live and thrive in your home.

Apply a diatomaceous earth

If you want to kill termites, you’ll need to apply something like diatomaceous earth (DE) or boric acid around your home after making sure that there’s no more than 1mm of pressure difference between the air inside and out.

Once there is such a difference, they’ll begin to suffocate. Unfortunately, some termite species resist DE, Boric acid, and other direct pesticides like carbaryl and permethrin.

Can Hot Water Kill Termites? – Conclusion

You may not have heard much about these insects, but termites are one of the world’s most common pests. These pesky bugs can destroy your wood structures in a matter of weeks and can leave your home an unlivable nightmare.