9 February 2015
 Categories: , Blog

Termites are active all year round. The cold might slow them down outside your home, but if your house is warm and there's moisture to be found, they'll keep on eating away your home's wood if they got inside before the cold set in. Spraying insecticides inside a home sealed up for the winter might not be the most appealing thing to do. After all, you and your family will have to breathe in the fumes until they dissipate – unless you want open up doors and windows to let in the sub-freezing temperatures to air your house out. Another option is a natural approach using nematodes. Here is what nematodes are and how to use them.

You Will Need:

• Nematodes
• Water
• Spray Bottles

Nematodes

Nematodes are roundworms that naturally live in the soil and water. Some species are parasitic and they survive by entering the bodies of insects that like to burrow into the soil – such as termites. As the nematodes infest the host bodies of their victims, they tend to reproduce rapidly. When the nematodes enter a termite's body – usually through the termite's mouth or anus – they begin to produce bacteria that break down the insides of the termite's body. The nematodes begin to feast on the deteriorating bodies and will kill a termite within a few days. Nematodes are safe to use around humans and pets.

Mix a Nematode Solution

You can purchase nematodes that will attack termites from organic pest control stores. All you need to do is mix the nematodes with water in a spray bottle – follow directions on the container the nematodes come in.

Where to Spray Solution

You'll want to find the pathways that the termites travel on, or the colony itself, before you spray the solution. Termite pathways can be found on basement walls, along window ledges, or underside of flooring. The pathways look like tunnels made out of mud. Soak the tunnels with the mixture. The colonies can be harder to find. You'll want to look in crevices and crawl spaces where moisture build-up is a problem. You may have to use a flashlight and get a little dirty by crawling into some places, but it's better than having termites eat your home. If you can't find the colony, you don't really have to worry. The termites that get infected with the spray will carry the nematodes back to their colony and spread the them to the other termites living there. Check the pathways and colony locations after a few days. If you don't see any live termites, you don't have to spray anymore solution around your home.

If you feel overwhelmed by your infestation, consider hiring a termite exterminator to professionally and thoroughly take care of your situation.