Cedar is commonly believed to be a termite‐repellent wood, but the truth is, these pests will eat it if they have to. That said, termites are less attracted to cedar than other types of wood.
Tropical hardwoods such as teak, ipe, and mahogany are known for their exceptional strength and natural resistance to termites and rot. These woods contain natural oils and resins that make them highly durable and resistant to decay, even in harsh outdoor environments.
For this reason, cedar mulch is a great option for termite proof landscaping. Where other types of mulch draw termites toward the foundation of your home, cedar creates a barrier that can help ward of unwanted colonies. Another type of wood that is inedible to termites is wood that has been pressure treated.
Termites dislike certain odors that act as repellents to them. Some of the common smells they hate include orange oil, neem oil, garlic, cinnamon, vinegar, mint, and citrus.
Cedar mulch has natural properties that can deter termites and other pests due to its aromatic oils. While no mulch type is completely termite-proof, cedar is generally considered less attractive to termites compared to other types of mulch, such as hardwood or untreated wood mulch.
Termite-resistant mulch
Cypress heartwood has been rated as termite-resistant, with one study showing that extracts from this wood actually repel termites. Similarly, if you lay cedar mulch, termites won't be very happy. Organic, wood-based mulches aren't going to provide termites with a source for heavy feeding.
As long as the area isn't over mulched (3" depth is what we typically recommend), isn't abutting wood exterior and/or isn't over watered and retaining moisture for long periods of time, you should be okay. I also typically suggest using a mulch other than cedar. Cedar trees are destroyed solely for the use of mulch.
3 - Tea Tree Oil & Other Essential Oils
If you want to avoid termites at home, you can use essential oils, such as cinnamon oil, clove bud oil, or the famous tea tree oil. To use them properly, all you have to do is to fill them in a mist sprayer and spray on the damaged areas to repel termites.
Ants are the greatest predators of termites, and may have a considerable local impact on termite populations in some areas of the world. A few parasitoids of termites are known, but their potential for regulating termite populations seems negligible.
Cedar wood does not attract insects and bugs. In fact, the wood contains a natural oil that automatically repels insects and bugs including moths, woodworms, mosquitoes and other insects. The natural oil also repels rodents including rats and mice.
For wood that's below ground, you can use WOODLIFE CopperCoat. You can also use a borate spray like Bora-Care to repel termites and carpenter ants. All you have to do is dilute the formula with water and spray it on the desired wood surface––make sure you do this on a clear day, as it needs time to dry.
Thus, neem oil for termites can be the best natural termite killer and help you get rid of termites permanently from your wooden structures. If you are wondering how to do neem oil treatment for termites, simply inject it inside the wooden structures.
Topical sprays of Borates like Timbor and Bora-care can be used to penetrate infested wood to kill termites. Borate insecticides, once absorbed into the wood, remain effective for the life of the wood.
Apply Natural Oil
Natural oils like orange oil and neem oil can be used to control termites. Orange oil contains a compound called d-limonene which comes in contact with termites and kills them. Neem oil should be applied repeatedly on the wooden furniture till the termite colonies are completely destroyed.
Cedar Mulch – Resin from cedar heartwood is toxic to termites. Cedar mulch can also deter cockroaches, odorous house ants, and other insects. Cypress Mulch – Heartwood makes cypress a termite-resistant mulch. It also has anti-fungal properties and a slow rate of decay.
Cinnamon oil, tea tree oil, clove oil, and garlic oil are effective termites repellants too. If you are opposed to spraying chemicals in your home, you can use any of these essential oils or neem oil to prevent termites in your home.
Minimize the likelihood of cracks in the concrete. Install metal mesh or sand/basalt termite barriers around the foundation. Seal around all utilities that go through the slab. Use termite-resistant construction materials.
Vetiver grass contains a chemical compound called “Nootkatone”, which could work to ward off the termites as well as a broad range of other pests naturally. You could plant the vetiver grass around the termite-infested areas in your property, and when they are planted, the termites will find such areas unfavorable.
Cayenne pepper is an excellent termite repellent that is completely natural. If you have termite problems in a small space, try sprinkling the pepper generously in the targeted area and repeating until all termites are gone.
White vinegar can kill termites. However, its effectiveness for complete termite control is limited due to factors like concentration and direct contact. Vinegar's key weapon is acetic acid, which disrupts termites' delicate exoskeletons and dehydrates them.
Cedar mulch can be used with well established plants; there is a degree of safety on this that, at this moment in time, can be trusted. It is safer to avoid cedar mulch with seedlings, small plants and newly germinated plants.
Because rocks retain heat from the sun, they remain warm after the sun goes down and the temperature drops. This process helps keep the foundation warm and any plants that call the gravel bed home.
The main insect-repelling chemical present in cedar chips is known as thujone. Property owners love how cedar chips can repel a variety of insects including cloth-eating moths, carpet beetles, cockroaches, and certain types of ants.