Vinegar, especially white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar, is a common household item with a strong acidic property. It contains acetic acid, which can be harmful to soft-bodied insects like termites.

When termites come into direct contact with vinegar, the acidity can…

• Disrupt their outer exoskeleton

• Dehydrate their bodies

• Damage their internal systems

As a result, vinegar may kill some termites when applied directly and repeatedly.

How to Use Vinegar to Kill Termites

If you want to try vinegar as a DIY termite treatment, here’s how you can apply it…

Make a Vinegar Solution

Mix

• ½ cup of white vinegar

• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (to boost acidity and scent)

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

Target Infested Areas

Spray the solution directly onto termite trails, mud tubes, wooden crevices, or suspected entry points. Be generous, & repeat daily for best results.

Use for Preventive Maintenance

Vinegar can be sprayed around

• Window sills

• Baseboards

• Crawl spaces

• Door frames

This may help deter termites from entering those areas.

Does Vinegar Eliminate Entire Colonies?

While vinegar can kill individual termites on contact, it does not penetrate deep enough to reach nests or destroy a colony. Most termite colonies live hidden underground or behind walls, far beyond the reach of surface sprays.

Vinegar may work for…

• Surface-level infestations

• Early-stage activity

• Temporary deterrents

But it is not effective for eliminating a full infestation or reaching the queen and colony workers.