8 Smells That Keep Termites Away – Naturally!

Termites heavily depend on their olfactory abilities to communicate and find their way through the environment. Unusual smells, along with robust or unpleasant odors, cause termites confusion until they finally decide to leave the area completely.

Termites avoid these eight natural odors listed below:

1. Garlic

Garlic serves as both a common cooking ingredient and a natural pest deterrent. Garlic’s pungent sulfuric scent creates a defensive mechanism that drives away numerous pests among which termites are included. The compound allicin, activated by crushing garlic, produces a scent in garlic cloves. Termites’ scent trails as well as their communication become disrupted because of this pungent chemical.

How to use it:

Chop garlic bulbs into small pieces, which you can spread throughout points where termites are likely to appear.

Mix garlic juice with water and spray it along wooden surfaces, baseboards, and entry points.

Bonus Tip – Garlic use offers protection against ants, mosquitoes, and certain rodent repulsion.

2. Cloves

The insecticidal component eugenol is abundantly present in cloves, also possessing repellent properties. The fragrant nature of cloves gives humans pleasant aromas yet termites demonstrate intolerance to this scent.  The substance eugenol interferes with their nervous system functioning, which prevents them from entering treated zones.

How to use it:

Insert whole cloves into small mesh bags before placing them in corners, alongside drawers, and near wooden furniture.

Apply a finely diluted clove oil solution in water to protect wooden structures with preparations.

Bonus Tip – Scents from this solution are effective against pests in various locations when used for protection against odors.

3. Lemongrass

Lemongrass produces a citrus perfume that makes it a common essential oil component within natural insect repellents. The combination of citral and geraniol, found in lemongrass, makes it effective for termite repellent performance. Scientists have discovered that lemongrass oil performs at least as well as various artificial repellents in laboratory tests.

How to use it:

Sprinkle a couple of drops of lemongrass essential oil with water inside a spray bottle, then apply the mixture to wooden areas.

Lemongrass plants should be cultivated in your home or garden for natural termite defense.

Bonus Tip – Lemongrass delivers two essential benefits by protecting against termites, mosquitoes, and ticks in infested areas.

4. Rosemary

The pungent fragrance of rosemary leaves prevents termite attraction because they dislike this aromatic plant. The repellent agents found in carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid in rosemary produce active effects to deter many insects.

How to use it:

The controlled burning of dried rosemary in the vicinity of damage sites is an effective method, but caution should be used in this process.

Resolve rosemary essential oil together with water or vinegar to create an effective spray.

Bonus Tip – Both pets and children can remain safe with the proper use of this product, which also produces a delightful herbal scent throughout your home.

5. Tea Tree Oil

The antibacterial and antifungal properties of tea tree oil, renowned for its effectiveness, make it a potent insect repellent. Termites cannot endure the sharp and medicinal aroma of tea tree oil, which serves as a repellent for them. The pheromone communication trails of termites get disrupted, and they avoid areas treated with this substance.

How to use it:

Preparation involves mixing 10–15 drops of tea tree oil with a cup of water, which should be sprayed into wall joints, wooden frames, and crevices.

Use a cotton ball to apply the solution in limited areas, such as drawers and cupboards.

Bonus Tip – Repeated regular applications of this remedy serve as an effective preventive approach against termite intrusion.

6. Cedarwood

Cedarwood demonstrates itself as one of the most potent natural substances that repel termites. Cedarwood essential oil contains specifically cedrol and thujone elements which poison termites and prevent their ability to breathe effectively. Cedarwood serves as a building and furniture material, as it repels termites from cabinets and other wooden constructions.

How to use it:

Vulnerably exposed areas should receive placements of cedarwood blocks and shavings.

A basic preparation of cedarwood essential oil with water or alcohol forms an effective barrier spray.

Bonus Tip – The aromatic fragrance of cedarwood creates both an attractive scent and an authentic charm for your home’s interior.

7. Dill Weed

Surprised? Although it may come as a surprise to some readers, the culinary herb known as dill offers natural pest protection. Cedarwood repels termites and small insects due to its strong, limonene- and carvone-rich odors.

How to use it:

Simply crush fresh dill weed and disperse it around the baseboards, as well as on wooden decks and in garden areas.

Diluted dill essential oil serves as a safe, natural spray that helps prevent termite infestations.

Bonus Tip – If used properly, the strong scent of dill weed serves as a natural solution for aphids and spider mites in home gardens.

8. Geranium

Geranium plants possess attractive qualities, including beauty and pest protection, while releasing geraniol, a natural insect repellent. Termites avoid both terpene chemicals, and mosquitoes, flies, and beetles will keep away when exposed to this substance.

How to use it:

You should cultivate geranium plants that will grow along your building’s edges because they also work well in pots placed near wooden patios.

Energy-based homes benefit from a water solution prepared with geranium essential oil for use as a spray.

Bonus Tip – Both pest management and ornamental gardens can benefit from this method.