Updated on March 16, 2023
A lot of people believe all sorts of things that can eliminate termites. The question is, does gasoline kill termites? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and some tips on how to get rid of termites yourself.
Gasoline Basics
All of us know that gasoline is an important, yet dangerous product and we should avoid it as much as possible. It’s a type of fuel most commonly used in vehicles and other products around the home such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers, chain saws, and generators.
Gasoline, or petrol as it is known in some places, can be used to power up cars and other vehicles, but did you know that it also has other uses around the house?
It’s used in cars, trucks, and motorcycles to create power, but it can also be used as a pesticide for termites. Gasoline kills termites when you pour it on their nest, or when they walk across the floor with it.
Gasoline can be dangerous if breathed in, touched, or swallowed because it irritates the body’s mucous membranes. It is important to keep gasoline in tightly sealed containers and only use it in places that are well ventilated because it can cause breathing problems.
See Also: Can Kerosene Kill Termites?
Does Gasoline Kill Termites?
Some people say that they’ve used gasoline to successfully control termites in their homes. However, it doesn’t often work and it’s not recommended.
In order for gasoline to kill termites, it needs to be sprayed onto the colony. This often doesn’t work because the termites won’t relocate – they stay where they’re comfortable.
And if it does work, it only kills some of them which mean you’re left with a hungry and angry bug that’s looking for revenge.
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How Does Gasoline Kill Termites?
The chemical in gasoline is known as a mixture of hydrocarbons, i.e. containing only carbon and hydrogen.
It is harmless to humans and pets, but when it enters a termite nest, it will kill the ants because it blocks their respiratory system and they suffocate.
Can I Use It in My Home?
Gasoline actually kills termites, but it might not be a good idea to use it in your home. Besides the obvious safety reasons, termites aren’t as sensitive to gasoline as they are to other bug repellents.
The best way to keep them out is by using a non-petroleum-based product made specifically for the purpose of killing termites.
What Are the Risks of Using Gasoline Inside My Home?
There are substantial risks associated with using gasoline inside your homes such as breathing in the fumes and the risk of a fire.
Does It Produce Fumes?
Yes, gasoline produces fumes when used inside the home, and these fumes can be dangerous to people and animals. Inhaling gasoline fumes can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, and other harmful health effects.
Therefore, if you must use it, you need to ensure adequate ventilation.
Can Pesticides Be Used Instead of Gasoline?
Pesticides are often a safer alternative to petrol. They are available at all hardware stores, and you can spray them on the termites and other bugs in your home.
Pesticides also kill wasps and flies, so they’re great for use inside or outside your home. Just be sure that you read the instructions before spraying anything that may be around your kids or pets.
How to Get Rid of Termites Naturally
Termites are a common problem for homeowners. The good news is that there are many natural ways to get rid of termites.
One way is to use an organic pesticide such as borax, pumpkin peelings, or powdered sugar. You can also make a mixture of water and sugar and dish soap to create a syrup.
Fill some mason jars with this concoction and then poke holes in the lid. When termites come near, they will get stuck in the jar and die naturally without harming your home.
Can Diesel Kill Termites?
Yes! Diesel fuel contains hydrocarbons, which are toxic to termites. The fuel can eliminate termites by suffocating them. It works by creating an impermeable barrier between the termites and the oxygen they need to survive.
The diesel forms a layer on top of the soil that prevents oxygen from getting to the termites, which in turn causes them to suffocate and die.
Does Diesel Deter Termites?
Yes. Diesel will both deter and kill termites if they come into contact with the fuel.
How Does Diesel Fuel Prevent Termites?
Diesel fuel is an effective way to deter and prevent termites because it has a strong odor that is unpleasant to termites and other pests. Additionally, diesel fuel has an oily nature that acts as a barrier, preventing termites from tunneling through the soil to get to the wood of the home.
Can Used Engine Oil Kill Termites?
Yes, if the termites fall into the oil, it sticks to them and they’re unable to escape from it, and eventually die.
Will Termites Eat Oil Soaked Wood?
Most times? The answer is NO.
By soaking the wood in motor oil, termites are discouraged from feeding on it. But again, it only deters them and if they’re determined enough, they’ll simply move to a better spot.
But, I’ve had clients tell me tales of termites actually chewing through the Cyanide treatment at the foot of power poles, so there are almost no guarantees when it comes to termites.
Is It Safe to Use Motor Oil for Termites at Home?
It’s not safe to use motor oil for termites at home. It will kill them in direct contact but you need to have high concentrations because it doesn’t spread very well.
What’s even worse is that the termites will just move away from the oil and then return after the oil has been cleared up.
Does Motor Oil Kill Termites in Wood?
Motor oil is a combustible substance that can, in fact, kill termites. However, the best way to use oil to prevent termites from infesting wood is by dipping cotton balls in the oil and placing them on spots where the insects may be entering through holes or cracks in the foundation.
Conclusion
So to answer our original question, yes, gasoline can in fact kill termites but there are much better and safer options.
Gasoline is not a good idea to use in your home because it can cause serious health problems if the fumes are inhaled if it’s ingested, or if it comes into contact with the skin.
So what should you do instead? Buy some Terminate Foam or BioAdvanced granules and apply it around your house, garage, and termite-infested trees.
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