Does Salt Kill Termites? — A Helpful Guide

In the fight against the silent destroyers of homes, many homeowners ponder, "Does salt kill termites?" Continue reading to find out if this common household ingredient is the home remedy you have been looking for and how to use it.

Termites are tiny, wood-devouring insects that can wreak havoc on your home's structure, silently dining on the very materials that hold your house together.

With the potential to cause extensive and costly damage over time, finding effective solutions to combat these pests is a top priority for those seeking to protect their investment.

Among various remedies touted for termite eradication, salt emerges as a potential candidate. But the question remains: Does salt kill termites? Join us as we reveal whether salt is the secret weapon you've been searching for in your battle against termites.

Termites crawling on wood | Source: Getty Images

The Saline Solution: Understanding How Salt Affects Termites

Does salt kill termites?

The answer isn't as straightforward as a simple yes or no. Indeed, table salt, or sodium chloride, possesses the capability to exterminate a wide range of organisms, termites included, when applied in sufficient quantities. This method involves a few key steps:

• Identify Termite Entry Points: First, it's crucial to locate where these pests are infiltrating your home. These entry points might be cracks in your home's foundation, gaps in siding, or openings in masonry. Signs of termite presence, such as discarded wings or the termites themselves, are indicators of these entry points.

Termite holes | Source: Getty Images

• Prepare a Salt Solution: Mix equal parts of warm water and salt in a quart jar until the salt is completely dissolved. This solution should be highly saline, as termites naturally avoid salt and salty environments. The stronger the solution, the more effective it will be.
• Apply the Solution: Using a syringe, inject this salty solution directly into the identified entry points. Additionally, pour the solution onto the soil surrounding these entry points to create a barrier. Termites venturing into this salt-infused environment will dehydrate and ultimately perish.
• Use as a Preventative Measure: Beyond attacking current infestations, applying a salt solution around your home can serve as a deterrent against future termite invasions.

Sea salt | Source: Getty Images

However, it's important to note that while salt can offer a temporary fix, it may not provide a lasting solution. Professional termiticides are designed to eliminate termites in a way that allows the poison to be spread throughout the colony, ensuring a more comprehensive eradication.

Thus, while employing salt can be a part of your termite control strategy, it should not be the sole method relied upon for long-term results.

Salt | Source: Getty Images

However, for those seeking a definitive and enduring solution to termite infestations, combining salt treatments with professional-grade termiticides is advisable. This approach ensures that your home remains a fortress against these unwelcome invaders.

For more intriguing insights into natural remedies against household pests, explore our article on whether or not mosquitoes hate the smell of coffee.