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A deck can add aesthetic appeal to your home, and is a popular outdoor feature that both current and potential owners can appreciate. However, unfortunately, it’s not just humans who appreciate wooden decks. If left untreated, the deck can also attract termites, which can eat through the wood planks. The resulting damage can quickly turn into an eyesore, and the situation can become dangerous for unsuspecting humans and pets walking on the damaged surface. Traditional termite treatments offer targeted options for preventing and treating termites, but some natural products can also help protect your deck by keeping termites away rather than killing them. One possible solution is lavender essential oil, which helps preserve the wood by making it less palatable to coughs.
Lavender oil is made from the flowers of the lavender plant, and is commonly used in aromatherapy. While you may appreciate the strong herby smell of lavender oil, many insects reportedly do not care for this scent. Indeed, the strong scent helps repel mosquitoes, fleas, flies and other insects, making lavender a favorite among many people. A beautiful plant that doubles as a natural repellent Against termites and other pests. Alas, just planting lavender around your deck isn’t enough to deter termites. Instead, lavender essential oil offers a more powerful and direct means of termite control thanks to its component linalool compound. While it is not clear whether lavender oil is toxic to these insects, it may help disrupt their ability to eat wood and communicate with each other.
Tips to protect your deck from termites with lavender oil
Notably, a study published in Scientific Reports in 2022 (by National Library of Medicine) found that a 5% lavender oil solution was effective in repelling certain types of termites when applied to Norway spruce wood. The researchers also found that the substance was just as effective as typical biocides used to treat wood. While this study did not evaluate the use of lavender oil on wooden decks around homes, you can replicate the effects by spraying the substance for added protection against termites.
If you’re ready to use lavender oil against termite invaders on your deck, all you need is a clean spray bottle and some lavender oil. Collect 5 to 10 drops of Brooklyn Botany Lavender Essential Oil Or the same product with a gallon of water, and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Diluting the oil like this before you spray the product around your deck protects the wood from damage, such as discoloration. However, it’s a good idea to test the solution on a small area of your deck first to make sure the oil won’t damage the wood.
To maintain effective termite control, consider weekly applications and apply the solution after heavy rains. Just be sure to keep the product away from any cats that wander around outside, as lavender oil is extremely toxic to them. In addition to lavender oil deck treatments, consider baiting stations and occasional termiticides To get rid of termites. Also, you should always use treated wood and other important considerations A guide to building a deck around your home.
