What Really Kills Termites? DIY Methods vs. Professional Treatments

If you’ve discovered termites—or even suspect them—it’s natural to start searching for quick solutions. A quick online search will bring up all kinds of suggestions: bleach, vinegar, boric acid, orange oil, essential oils, and more. Some of these might even seem promising—after all, they’re easy to find, cheap, and already sitting in your cabinet.

This article breaks down the most commonly searched termite-killing methods to see what actually works and what doesn’t. We'll look at how each one is supposed to work, whether it's effective, and what the risks or limitations are.

But here’s the truth: while some substances can kill termites on contact, very few can eliminate an infestation—and none of them reach the colony. If you want to stop the damage and protect your home, the best solution is to call a professional.

What Really Kills Termites?

If you’re serious about killing termites and protecting your home, professional treatment isn’t just more effective—it’s essential. At The Termite Guy, we offer three proven solutions tailored to your home and the type of infestation:

• Spot Treatments for small, contained areas of drywood termite activity
• Heat Treatments that raise the temperature inside your home to lethal levels for termites
• Fumigation with Vikane Gas, the most comprehensive solution for full-structure eradication

These aren’t guesswork. They’re science-backed, licensed, and trusted across Southern California by thousands of homeowners for over 25 years.

Do DIY Termite Killers Actually Work?

When termites show up, it’s tempting to reach for whatever you have on hand—vinegar, bleach, bug spray, or even salt. A quick search online turns up dozens of home remedies and over-the-counter products that claim to kill termites. Some sound convincing. Others just sound desperate.

In this section, we’ll break down the most commonly searched termite-killing substances. For each one, we’ll explain what it is, how it’s supposed to work, whether it actually does, and—most importantly—why even the ones that work aren’t enough to stop an infestation.

If you’re trying to understand your options, this is a good place to start. But spoiler alert: killing a few termites you can see isn’t the same as eliminating the colony hidden inside your walls.

1. Diatomaceous Earth

What is Diatomaceous Earth (DE)?

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine white powder made from fossilized algae. It’s commonly used as a natural insect control product because it physically damages the outer layer of insects’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.

Does Diatomaceous Earth kill termites? 

While DE is effective against ants, cockroaches, and bedbugs, its effectiveness against termites is limited due to the termites' tendency to remain deep within wood or soil, where DE has minimal contact. DE also works slowly and only on direct contact, offering no systemic or residual effects.

Because DE requires physical contact and has no attractive or baiting qualities, it cannot reach colony-level infestations. Additionally, subterranean termites would rarely encounter the powder unless it is somehow introduced directly into their tunnels—an impractical method for home infestations. It's most effective for drywood termites in accessible areas.

2. Bleach

What is Bleach?

Household bleach is a chemical solution made primarily of sodium hypochlorite, a powerful oxidizing agent. It’s widely used as a disinfectant and stain remover due to its ability to break down proteins and cellular material. While it's not designed for pest control, some people try to repurpose it to kill termites and other insects.

Does Bleach kill termites?

Yes—on contact. Bleach can kill termites that are directly exposed to it. The chemical denatures proteins and disrupts cell membranes, leading to death. However, this is a contact-only solution.

Bleach cannot penetrate wood or soil to reach hidden termites or the colony. Its caustic nature can also damage surfaces, materials, and harm humans or pets if not used with caution. It is not designed for pest control and has no lasting residual effect. Its use is reactive rather than proactive or preventative.

3. Vinegar

What is Vinegar?

Vinegar is a mild acid made through the fermentation of ethanol, resulting in a solution that typically contains 4–7% acetic acid. It’s commonly used for cooking, cleaning, and natural household remedies. Because of its acidic nature, some DIY sources recommend it as a termite killer.

Does Vinegar kill termites?

In theory, yes—but only under very specific conditions. Vinegar can kill termites it comes into direct contact with, due to its ability to disrupt cell membranes. However, this effect is extremely limited.

Why it doesn’t work for infestations:

• It only works on termites you can see and spray—no penetration, no spread
• Acetic acid concentration in household vinegar is too weak to do real damage
  It evaporates quickly, leaving no lasting effect
• It has no baiting ability—termites avoid it rather than ingest it
• Some DIY mixes suggest adding lemon juice, but there’s no scientific backing for this combo

Vinegar might kill a termite or two on the surface, but it’s not strong, targeted, or long-lasting enough to make a dent in a colony. At best, it’s a temporary surface spray with limited reach—and at worst, it just gives termites more time to spread undetected.

4. Household Insecticide Sprays (Raid, Ant Spray, General Bug Spray)

What are Household Insecticide Sprays?

Household insecticide sprays are aerosol products designed to kill visible pests like ants, roaches, and spiders. They typically contain synthetic pyrethroids, such as imiprothrin or cypermethrin, which disrupt an insect’s nervous system on contact. These sprays are widely available, easy to use, and often marketed as all-purpose bug killers.

Do Household Insecticide Sprays kill termites?

Yes—but only if you spray them directly. The active ingredients can kill exposed termites on contact, just like they would other household insects.

These products share similar limitations when it comes to termite control:

• Termites live inside wood or underground, areas where aerosol sprays cannot reach
• Most are formulated for flying and crawling surface pests, not structural pests like termites
• They provide only surface-level control that won't affect colonies or nesting termites
• They offer no residual impact on colonies and are only effective as spot treatments for visible termites
• Using them might create false confidence while underlying infestations worsen
• Any use should be accompanied by more permanent, colony-targeting measures

While some brands offer specialized termite-specific formulations with somewhat better effectiveness, even these are limited compared to professional treatments. The primary differences between these products are in marketing, specific formulations, and sometimes concentration levels, but their fundamental limitations for termite control remain the same.

5. Borax and Boric Acid

What is Boric Acid?

Borax (sodium tetraborate) is a naturally occurring mineral salt often found in laundry boosters and cleaning products. Boric acid is a more refined and concentrated form of borax, commonly used in insecticides. Both are toxic to insects and work by disrupting the digestive and nervous systems of pests when ingested or absorbed.

Does Boric Acid kill termites?

Yes—both borax and boric acid can kill termites, especially when used in bait systems or dust formulations. They work by damaging the termite’s digestive tract and nervous system, eventually leading to death.

These related compounds work in similar ways but with different strengths:

Borax:

• Less refined and generally less expensive
• Works well when applied as a wood preservative or mixed with sugar for bait stations
• Low toxicity to humans and pets
• Has good residual protective qualities

Boric Acid:

• More refined with finer particle size and generally more effective in pest control applications
• Works well in bait systems and dust formulations
• Acts as both a stomach poison and a desiccant (drying agent)
• More versatile in application methods

Why they don’t work on their own:

• Termites must ingest the substance or walk through treated areas, which rarely happens without baiting
• Neither substance is naturally attractive to termites—bait must be paired with a food source
• They are slow-acting, making them ineffective in fast-spreading infestations
• They won’t reach deep colonies unless placed directly in their path
• Effectiveness depends on precise placement and long-term exposure

Borax and boric acid can be useful in a larger termite control plan, but only when used correctly—and typically by professionals. On their own, they’re not enough to eliminate an active infestation or protect a structure. Think of them as part of an integrated pest management approach, not a standalone solution.

6. Bifenthrin (Ortho Home Defense)

What is Bifenthrin?

Bifenthrin is a synthetic pyrethroid commonly used in both professional and consumer-grade pest control products. It’s designed to create a chemical barrier that kills insects on contact. Products like Ortho Home Defense often include bifenthrin or similar compounds in lower concentrations and are marketed for perimeter and indoor use against a wide range of pests.

Does Bifenthrin kill termites?

Yes—bifenthrin is lethal to termites on contact and can provide long-lasting protection when properly applied around the structure. It’s especially effective in professional “trench and treat” applications for subterranean termites.

Why store-bought versions fall short:

• Consumer products like Ortho Home Defense contain much lower concentrations than professional-grade termiticides
• They are not formulated specifically for termites and lack the penetration needed for deep infestations
• No impact on the colony unless the product is applied to key foraging paths or entry points
• Requires frequent reapplication to maintain effectiveness
• Without proper trenching or soil saturation, termites bypass the treatment zone

While bifenthrin is one of the most effective chemicals used in termite prevention, DIY applications don’t deliver the necessary strength or coverage. Professional-grade bifenthrin treatments can protect your home for up to 10 years, but consumer sprays are mostly useful as a temporary surface barrier—not a cure for an active infestation.

The Bottom Line: Kill the Colony, Not Just the Bugs You See

DIY termite killers might offer temporary satisfaction—but they rarely offer real protection. Bleach, vinegar, borax, and over-the-counter sprays can kill a few termites on contact, but none of them reach the heart of the problem: the colony hiding deep in your walls, floors, or foundation.

The longer you rely on household methods, the more time termites have to spread, cause damage, and rack up repair costs.If you want to eliminate termites completely—and prevent them from coming back—professional treatment is the only proven solution.

That’s where The Termite Guy comes in.

Trusted Termite Solutions in Southern California

For over 25 years, homeowners across Southern California have turned to The Termite Guy (877termite.com) for fast, thorough, and effective termite control. We offer:

• Spot Treatments for small, targeted infestations
• Heat Treatments that kill termites inside walls—without chemicals
• Full-structure Fumigation using Vikane gas for total eradication

Don’t let a colony quietly destroy your home from the inside out. Complete our contact form or call 877-TERMITE to schedule your free inspection and take the first step toward total termite protection!