Say Goodbye To Termites With An Essential Oil They Can't Stand

No one likes to discover pests invading their home, but it's even worse if those pests are actively eating away at your house. If you've started to spot signs of termites, or if you just want to be proactive about protecting your home's foundation, odds are you're exploring every possible way to keep them away. Termites are notoriously problematic because they seek out the wood in your home for food, water, and shelter, quietly causing thousands of dollars in structural damage before you even realize they're inside your walls. But think again before you start dousing your living space in harsh, smelly chemical treatments to keep them out because there's an easier (and far better smelling) solution: lavender essential oil.

It might feel a little ironic to think that destructive insects such as termites would be repulsed by a scent that we humans find so deeply soothing, but they do. And lavender essential oil is a terrific natural termite deterrent, plus it works for deterring other pests, including spiders. As you work to set the scent around the vulnerable points of your house, you'll also be making it smell better at the same time. Incorporating this powerfully simple natural defense into your space is an easy way to take some preventative measures against pesky termites. What's not to like about that?

You'll notice that many pests such as flies, are often attracted to things in your home that stink. Termites, on the other hand, work differently, relying heavily on pheromones to navigate and communicate with each other. They have scent receptors that are super sensitive, for those reasons. That's also their downfall. When there's a strong scent at play a termite's scent receptors are easily overwhelmed. Lavender essential oil produces just such a powerful fragrance. It's one of many non-toxic solutions for unwanted termites that works by interfering with those receptors, encouraging termites to go elsewhere. 

Essential oils have naturally occurring plant compounds that make them work as repellents for termites and other pests. For lavender essential oil specifically, that includes linalool. The super pungent aroma of this oil will mask the pheromones termites use to communicate with their colonies, and even disrupt their navigation trails. These oils are also toxic and fatal to termites who feast on wood treated with lavender, and using them will encourage termites to find their next woody meal elsewhere. The colony will also be less likely to return altogether as long as the scent stays fresh and strong.

Adding this wonderful scent to your home's defenses is a cinch to set up and, best of all, pretty budget-friendly. Small 4-ounce bottles of pure lavender essential oil are widely available for about $10. All you need to do once you have your bottle of essential oil in hand is to create a concentrated DIY spray. In a spray bottle, add about 10 drops of the oil then fill the rest up with water. It's a great option if you're trying to get rid of termites without tenting.

Before applying any lavender essential oils, however, take a moment to inspect your home's foundation for any severe damage like cracks or termite mud tubes. If you notice structural weakening anywhere or a huge infestation, call a professional exterminator. Otherwise, you can put this mixture to work by spraying it directly onto any problem areas and vulnerable wooden structures. Target baseboards, window frames, and door jambs. Keep spritzing that lovely lavender spray to maintain a fresh-smelling home that's free from termites.