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Updated April 27, 2023
Lots of people believe in all sorts of things that can get rid of termites. The question is, does gasoline kill termites? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and some tips on how to get rid of termites yourself.
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table of Contents
Gasoline Basics
We all know that gasoline is an important but dangerous product and we should avoid it as much as possible. It is a type of fuel most commonly used in vehicles and other products around the home, such as lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, and generators.
Gasoline, or petroleum as it's known in some places, can be used to power cars and other vehicles, but did you know it has other uses around the house, too?
It is used in cars, trucks, and motorcycles to generate power, but it can also be used as a pesticide for termites. Gasoline kills termites when you pour it into their nest or when they walk across the ground with it.
Gasoline can be dangerous if inhaled, touched, or swallowed because it irritates the mucous membranes of the body. It is important to keep gasoline in tightly closed containers and use it only in well-ventilated places because it can cause respiratory problems.
See also:Can kerosene kill termites?
Does gasoline kill termites?
Some people say that they have used gasoline to successfully control termites in their homes. However, it often doesn't work and is not recommended.
In order for the gasoline to kill the termites, it is necessary to spray it on the colony. This often doesn't work because the termites don't relocate, they stay where they feel comfortable.
And if it works, it only kills a few of them, which means you're left with a hungry, angry bug out for revenge.
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How does gasoline kill termites?
The chemical in gasoline is known as a hydrocarbon mixture, meaning it contains 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 may 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 insect repellents.
The best way to keep them away is by using a non-petroleum based product made specifically for the purpose of killing termites.
See also:Can smoke kill 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 the vapors and the risk of fire. Suffice it to say that you should never use it inside your home, no matter if you findtermites on your walls or ceiling.
Does it produce smoke?
Yes, gasoline produces vapors when used indoors, and these vapors can be dangerous to people and animals. Inhalation of gasoline vapors can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, and other adverse health effects.
Therefore, if you must use it, you must ensure adequate ventilation.
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Can pesticides be used instead of gasoline?

Pesticides are often a safer alternative to gasoline. They are available at all hardware stores and you can spray them on termites and other insects in your home.
pesticides tookill waspsand flies, so they are great to use inside or outside your home. Just be sure to read the instructions before spraying anything that might be near your children or pets.
How to get rid of termites naturally
Termites are a common problem for homeowners. The good news is that there are manynatural ways to get rid of termites.
One way is to use an organic pesticide like borax, pumpkin peels, or powdered sugar. You can also make a mixture of water, sugar, and dish soap to create a syrup.
Fill a few mason jars with this mixture, then poke holes in the lid. When the termites get close, they will get trapped in the jar and die naturally without harming your home.
Can diesel kill termites?
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Does diesel deter termites?
Yes. The diesel will deter and kill termites if they come in contact with the fuel.
How does diesel fuel prevent termites?
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Can used motor oil kill termites?
Yes, if the termites fall into the oil, it sticks to them and they cannot escape and eventually die.
Will termites eat oil soaked wood?
Most of the time? The answer is no.
By soaking wood in motor oil, termites are prevented from feeding on it. But then again, it just puts them off, and if they're determined enough, they'll just move to a better place.
However, I have had clients tell me stories of termites chewing up 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 in the home?
It is not safe to use motor oil for termites at home. It will kill them on direct contact, but it needs to be in high concentrations because it doesn't spread very well.
What's even worse is that the termites will simply move away from the oil and then come back after the oil has been wiped away.
Does motor oil kill termites in wood?
Motor oil is a combustible substance that can actually kill termites. However, the best way to use oil to prevent termites from infesting wood is to dip cotton balls in the oil and place them in places where the insects may be entering through holes or cracks in the foundation.
Conclusion
So, to answer our original question, yes, gasoline can indeed kill termites, but there are much better and safer options.
Want to let the professionals handle it?
Get a free quotefrom the leading pest control companies in your area.
Gasoline is not a good idea to use in your home because it can cause serious health problems if the vapors are inhaled, swallowed, or come in contact with the skin.
So what should you do instead? Buy somethingfinish foamoBioAdvanced Granulesand apply around your home, garage, and termite-infested trees.
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samantha
Authoringet rid of my bugs
Sam has now been a pest control technician for 2 years in the beautiful (and humid) state of Florida and is currently in the process of becoming aAssociate Certified Entomologist (ACE). As she works to get him certified, she enjoys sharing various fun facts she's learned about the many creatures he's encountered in the world of pest control.
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FAQs
Does gasoline kill termites? (How about diesel, motor oil or gasoline?)? ›
To combat termites, use diesel oil mixed with sugar or flour. There is a chance that motor oil, as a combustible substance, will kill termites. To prevent termites from wreaking havoc on wood, use petrol to dip cotton balls in it and place them on areas where the insects may enter through cracks or holes.
Can you kill termites with gasoline? ›People often get rid of them by tenting their homes, which involves erecting a tent around the entire house. Then, professionals pump in gas to fumigate the entire building. Because the substance that kills the drywood termites is gas, it kills termites anywhere in your home with ease.
Can oil kill termites? ›Wintergreen oil kills termites, but it doesn't hurt people or their pets. Although pest control professionals commonly use orange oil for localized drywood termite treatments, wintergreen oil has about twice the flash point so it's safer to use with the heat treatment, Perry said.
Is diesel effective for termites? ›The answer to this question is no, diesel fuel does not get rid of termites. While diesel fuel can be used as an effective insecticide, it is not an effective treatment for termites.
What chemical do they use to kill termites? ›There are two main chemicals used to kill termites—fipronil and hexaflumuron. Fipronil is the specially designed chemical used as an active ingredient in many different liquid termiticides. In high enough concentrations, it can kill termites on contact. Pest control specialists apply it around the perimeter of homes.