This tree displays damage from a colony of termites.
For much of the 20th century, exterminators fought off termites and their larvae with powerful chemicals such as chlordane. However, with chlordane eventually banned in 1987 due to its toxicity, increasing numbers of homeowners are seeking natural solutions to a termite infestation. While termite larvae do not directly affect wood, a colony's fully-grown termites must consume more wood in order to feed the larvae. Cutting off the larvae's food source will halt the reproduction cycle. Does this Spark an idea?
Boric Acid
One solution to killing termites and termite larvae is to apply boric acid mixed with propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is essentially a non-toxic type of anti-freeze, which can seep into wood. Ample application of the boric acid and propylene glycol solution will saturate the individual wood fibers. In addition to killing off the termites, the solution will leave wood less likely to develop wood rot. It will eliminate the termite population by attacking their nervous systems and dehydrating their bodies. As worker termites ingest the boric acid and die off, they cannot feed the dependent termite larvae, thereby killing them off, in turn.
Desiccant Dust
One non-toxic means of eliminating termites and their larvae is with desiccating dust that causes the insects to dry out. Natural dust may include pyrethrums as their active ingredient and contain a high level of silica gel desiccant. A relatively all-purpose natural insecticide, desiccant dust may work on ants, cockroaches, silverfish, spiders, ticks and fleas and more, as well as termite colonies. In addition to its capacity as an elimination tactic, the dust works well as a deterrent, preventing dry wood termites from entering a home. When applied to cracks and crevices, it may be used safely in buildings devoted to food preparation, including commercial kitchens and bakeries, food processing plants, restaurants and supermarkets.
Nematodes
A natural enemy of the termite, nematodes are a kind of microscopic worm. By applying them to an infested home, the nematodes will prey upon the entire termite population. Because nematode application involves no chemicals or poisons, whatsoever, they are an especially appropriate measure for highly-sensitive areas, such as nurseries, schools or kitchens.
Prevention
Make sure that a newly-built home doesn't have any boards lying around the foundation. For example, after a concrete foundation has set, clear away all its wooden forms. Ensure that any wooden posts or wooden building elements fixed into the foundation do not continue downward into the ground. In general, avoid any wood elements that form a direct bridge between the soil and your home. Culprits may include stairs or decks. When you do use lumber for your home, select woods that are natural termite repellents, using the heartwood of bald cypress, eastern red cedar, osage orange, black walnut, northern catalpa and Pacific yew. These all contain natural compounds that are either toxic or repulsive to termites.
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