Termites love damp weather, which is why they appear in force during the rainy season. They chew through wooden furniture, cupboards, and even walls, leaving ugly marks and hollow damage that can cost
thousands of rupees to repair. If you spot mud-coloured mounds or fine dust near wood, act fast. The longer you wait, the more expensive the repairs will be.
Kitchen Fixes That Cost Less Than Rs 50
The good news: you don’t need pricey pest-control chemicals. A few common kitchen ingredients can keep termites away for just a few rupees if you use them early and consistently.
Neem Power
As soon as you notice termite mounds on a wall, scrape them off with a broom and wipe the area with a cloth dipped in hot water. This breaks their pathways. Dry some neem leaves, grind them, mix with water, and spray the paste or liquid on the cleaned surface. Neem is a natural insecticide and works well in the early stages of an infestation.
Bitter Gourd and Neem Mix
For stronger protection, powder a bitter gourd, squeeze out its juice, and blend it with a paste of neem leaves. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and coat the affected walls. The combined bitterness of neem and bitter gourd drives termites out of their hiding spots. If the infestation is heavy, repeat the spray two or three times.
Saltwater Treatment
Salt is a powerful dehydrator. Dissolve a handful of salt in warm water and pour it directly into termite holes or spray it across the entire wall. The salt dries out the termites’ bodies from the inside. Continue every two days until the pests are gone.
Clove Water Shield
Clove oil contains natural insect-repelling compounds. Crush two tablespoons of cloves, soak them in half a glass of water for about three hours, strain, and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spraying this clove water kills existing termites and leaves behind a scent barrier that discourages their return.
Chili Heat
Termites can’t handle capsaicin, the compound that gives chili its heat. Mix chili powder with warm water and spray it deep into termite holes. For severe infestations, make a thicker paste with chili powder and salt water and apply it directly into the tunnels for maximum effect.
Act Early, Save Money
All of these treatments are inexpensive, quick to prepare, and safe for most household surfaces. The key is early action: clean visible mounds, dry out damp corners, and apply these natural sprays before termites spread. Regular inspections during the monsoon and after heavy rains can prevent a minor nuisance from turning into a major—and costly—home repair.
