DIY Builds
Photo by Michael Burrows Pexels Logo Photo: Michael Burrows

What smells keep termites away?

Clemson University scientists reported that 'Termites hate smells of cedarwood, geranium, and tea tree oil. It has also been found that clove bud, cinnamon, and garlic oils can also repel termites.

How can I make money with my garage?
How can I make money with my garage?

Here's a list of 10 ways on how to turn your garage into an income-producing asset to help pay your bills. Rent it out as storage space. Rent it...

Read More »
What materials are needed to build a 12x12 shed?
What materials are needed to build a 12x12 shed?

A List of Materials Needed to Build a 12x12 Wood Shed Wood. Wood will be your biggest expense when constructing your 12-by-12 shed. ... Plywood....

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Termites can be found all over Canada. The most common species you will find in Canada include the Eastern Subterranean Termite, the Western Subterranean Termite, and the Pacific Dampwood Termite. Among these species, subterranean termites cause the bulk of the damage to home structures in Canada. There’s no telling the damage they will cause to wood in and around your home. That’s why you should waste no time and contact pest control experts known for safe termite extermination from homes.

What Do We Know About The Smells Termites Hate?

Clemson University scientists reported that ‘Termites hate smells of cedarwood, geranium, and tea tree oil. It has also been found that clove bud, cinnamon, and garlic oils can also repel termites.’ Let us put this finding to the test:

Cedarwood as Termites-Repellant:

We know that termites repel the cedarwood smell, but it is not correct. Termites may attract less to this wood owing to the presence of allelochemicals in it. This wood’s core is somewhat termite-resistant; it still does not entirely repel termites as the white wood on the outside of the core does not resist termite in the least.

Geranium as Termites-Repellent:

Scented geraniums, if planted around your property or the affected areas of your home, attract termite predators, including spiders, ladybugs, centipedes, and praying mantises to feed on them, killing the termites and letting them leave your property. Thus, the scented geranium smell is a warning sign for termites and can help you with termite control. However, it will mean the presence of other critters on your property.

Tea Tree Oil (A Natural Remedy) and Essential Oils as Termites-Repellent:

If you do not want these pests around your property, using essential oils, such as clove bud oil, tea tree oil, garlic, or cinnamon oil, can do a lot of good. You can fill any of these essential oils in a mist sprayer and spray on the affected areas to repel termites. However, suppose you are dealing with a termite colony. In that case, you should mix 5-10 drops per water gallon and spray it directly on the territory.

Do You Know How Termites Smell or Communicate?

Termites do not have noses; thus, they do not smell the way we smell. Instead, they have antennae to detect a pheromone scent trail left by other termites to notify others in a colony about a food source. This smelling system is also a way of communication for termites that help them get their entire colony fed. Termites can also sense the specific pheromones given off by their queen.

Getting Rid of the Termites Permanently from Your Residential Space

Exterminating termites is not an easy task for homeowners. Using essential oils can definitely help in this regard. The best thing you can do is contact a pest control service based on your location: Toronto, Kitchener, Guelph, Cambridge, or any other.

Conclusion:

Termites never stop eating wood because they feed on wood to survive. However, it has been found that termites do not like the smell of cedarwood, geranium, tea tree oil, cinnamon, clove bud, and garlic oils. Termites have antennae to smell and communicate for the food source instead of a nose like human beings. You can get rid of the termites yourself, but it is not a simple thing to do. It is better to contact a pest control service to exterminate these pests for good from your residential space.

Do you need a permit to pour concrete in your backyard in Florida?
Do you need a permit to pour concrete in your backyard in Florida?

All concrete flat work (slab), whether considered structural or non-structural (to include pavers), requires a permit and inspections. Work...

Read More »
Can you burn old pallets in a wood stove?
Can you burn old pallets in a wood stove?

Heat treated pallets would be ok to use as kindling, but you don't want to be burning the ones treated with chemicals as they can release toxic...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Do I need to anchor my plastic shed?

Since some sheds are made of lighter materials, such as plastic or aluminum, they are more vulnerable to destruction, making it much more necessary to anchor them to the ground.

Many people ask “Do I need to anchor my shed? Does it really matter?” Well, it depends on size, climate, zoning laws, and other factors. Many sheds require and should have some anchoring. If not, they are more likely to be displaced by strong winds or shifting weather conditions such as seasonal freezing and thawing, which could induce ground displacement under your shed surface. Even a fraction of an inch of shed movement will cause havoc on your shed doors. Floor rotation will cause your doors to get out of balance, making it very difficult to open and shut your doors, and this will only worsen over the lifespan of your shed. You could also be dealing with a dangerous situation in which the roof framing is breached, which may be the worst-case scenario.

Does adding a driveway increase home value?
Does adding a driveway increase home value?

“A [concrete] driveway can increase your property's value between 5 and 10 percent” says Fast Sales Homes. That means “a $500,000 home can increase...

Read More »
How do you level soil for gravel?
How do you level soil for gravel?

Here are the steps you should follow: Pour the first layer; these are huge stones. Evenly distribute it over the area. Compact it using a compactor...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
Can you compact gravel with a hand tamper?
Can you compact gravel with a hand tamper?

Tampers are manually operated or power compaction tools. They increase the density and levelness of soil, gravel, sand and other materials by...

Read More »
Do small shelves need studs?
Do small shelves need studs?

Make Sure You Have Studs or Drywall Anchors Again, you can't just hang up your shelf without some support. Most walls can't handle the weight of a...

Read More »