Does WD-40 Kill Termites?

Termites are ravaging your wooden structures and you see a container of WD-40 nearby. Now you’re wondering if this product can kill those pests. We researched this concern for your convenience to give you the following answer.

WD-40 can help kill termites. Spraying this product on a group of these wood-eating insects can suffocate and kill them.

But WD-40 may only slow down the progress of termite damage on your property. So continue reading as we discuss other solutions that can help you get rid of your termite problem. Some techniques that you can find in this post may even eliminate termite nests on your property for good.

A group of the small termite on decaying timber, Does WD40 Kill Termites?

How Do You Kill Termites?

Different solutions exist that can help you get rid of termites, including WD40. In this section, you’ll learn some ways you can try that may aid you in eliminating your termite problem:

Termites inside the termite bait box

Can I Use WD-40 On Termites?

At its core, WD-40 is a water-displacing substance with some lubricating properties. But its characteristics may also help in killing termites.

WD 40 multi use oil in a small woodworking shop

Use WD-40 by spraying it over a gathering of termites. The product should stick to the bugs, suffocating and killing them eventually. It may also be possible to hinder the progress of termite damage by spraying WD-40 in certain areas.

But be wary as WD-40 may not kill termite nests. Although this product may help control termite infestations, it might not eliminate the problem at its core.

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Do Termite Baits Work?

Anti termite baiting system

Termite baits often function by luring the insects into getting a chemically-enhanced product. The bugs will bring the substance back into their nesting grounds, which they might also give to their queens. This lure contains toxins that can kill the termites from within their colonies.

Keep in mind that termite baits are often long-term solutions. These products are often effective but may take at least 8 to 12 weeks before they can efficiently eliminate termite breeding grounds.

It’s also ideal to take note of the following particulars when setting up termite baits:

  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Some termite baits may have unique procedures that require precision for them to be as effective in killing these insects as possible.
  • An additional application might be a requirement. You may need to replenish the bait after a set period to prevent an increase in the termite population in your area.
  • Be wary of other pesticides used. A termite bait might not provide satisfactory results if used near other termiticides.
  • Think about the location of the bait. Placing the product near places like the driveway or patio often doesn't have termite colonies.
  • Place the bait near a termite nest. Locate the breeding grounds and place the product near that area since the insects won’t be able to see the bait until they bump into it.

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Watch the video below to learn how to set up a termite bait system in your home:

How To Use Barrier Treatment On Termites?

Chemical treatment is another option to eliminate and prevent termites from entering your property. Generally, you inject the termiticide directly into the earth, stopping these pests from eating through your home’s foundation. Also, the chemical often gets rid of termites that are already on-site.

Here’s a look at how to install a termite barrier around your home:

What You’ll Need

  • Shovel
  • Chemical termiticide
  • Pump sprayer

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Use a shovel or similar tool to dig a 6 x 6-inch (width and depth) trench around your house’s perimeter.
  2. Pour your preferred termiticide while following the product manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. Wait for the chemical to dissipate into the soil.
  4. Spray the backfill with the termiticide.
  5. Return the treated backfill into its original location with the shovel.

Check out this termite killer for perimeter treatment on Amazon.

Keep in mind that subterranean chemical termite barriers might not kill or prevent certain termite species. So check the product and its description before you finalize your purchase.

You can also watch this video to see a visual guide for the steps mentioned above:

What Are The First Signs Of Termites?

Look for the following signs of your home having a termite infestation to prevent further damage:

Damaged Décor

Termites often burrow within wooden structures as they chew through those materials. The insects would also often leave exit holes in their wake. You may have a termite infestation if you can find these small pinholes on your painted wooden walls.

Aside from the pinholes, other termite infestation indicators that you may find on your décor and furniture are:

  • Weak or buckled wood
  • Wallpaper peels
  • Paint bubbles
  • Dented or sunken surfaces

Stuck Fixtures

Doors, windows, and other wooden fixtures around your house that become difficult to open and/or close can be a sign of a termite infestation. In particular, these pests may travel and eat through wooden frames, causing the adjacent fixture to misalign.

Frass

Termite excrement and three termite

Also called termite droppings, frass is the excrement of these pests that are also tell-tale signs of infestations. These droppings can have different appearances.

For instance, the typical frass of termites looks like small wood shavings but usually has a six-sided appearance. On the other hand, subterranean termites may leave frass that is wetter than their above-ground counterparts.

Dropped Wings

Termite alate

Alates, which are a colony’s reproductive units, often have two pairs of pale-colored wings. If the alates leave their original nesting grounds to find mates, they remove their wings to establish new colonies.

Look for ¼- to a ½-inch long discarded pile of wings as these are typically indicative of nearby termite homes.

Where Do Termites Do The Most Damage?

Most termite species often feed and burrow through wood. So relatively any untreated wooden object or structure on your property becomes the target of these insects. Signs of termite activity might be present in:

  • Wooden foundation
  • Attics
  • Flooring
  • Doors
  • Windows

Also, termites like to stay and go through moist surfaces. So it can also be a good idea to look for termite presence in moisture-rich soil.

But keep in mind that it might be possible to mistake a termite infestation for other insects. For example, bark beetles might create similar signs as these bugs leave holes in wooden structures. Also, it’s possible to mistake alates for flying ants as both bug families may drop their wings.

How Long Does It Take Termites To Destroy A House?

It takes about four years for an untreated termite infestation to destroy a house. However, some indicators of termite infestations are fairly noticeable, allowing homeowners to take the appropriate actions before damages to their living quarters worsen.

How Much Is Pest Control For Termites?

Professional termite control generally has a price range of $230 to $930. But expect to spend around $575 for the services. Also, keep in mind that certain factors can affect the overall expenses for expert pest control assistance. Some of the things that can alter the costs are:

  • Size of the infestation
  • Dimensions of the area to treat
  • Type of treatment to use
  • Number of treatments required

Final Words

WD-40 can kill termites. However, it may take more than this water-displacing product to get rid of these insects from your property permanently. Thankfully, you can use other solutions to ensure your home won’t become a termite’s next meal.

If you like this post and would like to know more about pest control, check out these other great reads:

Does Tent Fumigation Kill Subterranean Termites?

How To Get Rid Of Black Ants In Car?