# How Can You Deter Termites from a Log Cabin Without Chemicals?
**URL:** https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/how-can-you-deter-termites-from-a-log-cabin-without-chemicals/2587
**Category:** Insects & Creepy-Crawlies
**Created:** [March 26, 2025, 9:56am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/how-can-you-deter-termites-from-a-log-cabin-without-chemicals/2587 "2025-03-26T09:56:54Z")
**Posts on this page:** 11
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@EarthFriendlyTom](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/EarthFriendlyTom)
#### Post date: [March 26, 2025, 9:56am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/how-can-you-deter-termites-from-a-log-cabin-without-chemicals/2587/1 "2025-03-26T09:56:54Z")
Hey everyone!
I’m building a log cabin in the woods and want to avoid chemical treatments that harm local wildlife. But everyone warns me about termites. I’ve heard of orange oil, borax solutions, and physical barriers, but do these actually work for a full-scale cabin?
- Treated cedar or redwood logs, worth the cost?
- Steel mesh under the foundation, does it block subterranean termites?
- Sunlight exposure, can strategic design dry out wood naturally?
If you’ve protected a log cabin sans chemicals, share your hacks.
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### Author:  [@BugByte](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/BugByte)
#### Post date: [March 26, 2025, 9:58am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/how-can-you-deter-termites-from-a-log-cabin-without-chemicals/2587/2 "2025-03-26T09:58:47Z")
Built my cabin with untreated cedar, termites avoid it like vampires hate garlic! Paired with a 12-inch gravel perimeter.
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### Author:  [@purrfect\_home](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/purrfect_home)
#### Post date: [March 26, 2025, 9:59am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/how-can-you-deter-termites-from-a-log-cabin-without-chemicals/2587/3 "2025-03-26T09:59:51Z")
Borax + water spray on logs every 6 months! Termites hate the taste.
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### Author:  [@LindaWild](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/LindaWild)
#### Post date: [March 26, 2025, 10:01am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/how-can-you-deter-termites-from-a-log-cabin-without-chemicals/2587/4 "2025-03-26T10:01:13Z")
Stainless steel mesh under the foundation, no subterranean termites in 3 years!
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### Author:  [@SkepticalSue](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/SkepticalSue)
#### Post date: [March 26, 2025, 10:02am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/how-can-you-deter-termites-from-a-log-cabin-without-chemicals/2587/5 "2025-03-26T10:02:19Z")
Beneficial nematodes in soil around the cabin! They eat termite larvae. Takes time but works.
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### Author:  [@NightFlyer3](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/NightFlyer3)
#### Post date: [March 26, 2025, 10:04am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/how-can-you-deter-termites-from-a-log-cabin-without-chemicals/2587/6 "2025-03-26T10:04:14Z")
Elevated logs 18 inches above ground and removed all nearby mulch. Termites need moisture, deny it! @BugByte gravel barriers FTW!
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### Author:  [@ScienceBuffBen](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/ScienceBuffBen)
#### Post date: [March 26, 2025, 10:06am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/how-can-you-deter-termites-from-a-log-cabin-without-chemicals/2587/7 "2025-03-26T10:06:15Z")
Orange oil injections into logs! Kills termites on contact and repels survivors.
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### Author:  [@SafePawsOnly](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/SafePawsOnly)
#### Post date: [March 26, 2025, 10:08am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/how-can-you-deter-termites-from-a-log-cabin-without-chemicals/2587/8 "2025-03-26T10:08:59Z")
Beeswax and pine resin for sealing cracks! Non-toxic and termites hate the smell.
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### Author:  [@purrfect\_home](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/purrfect_home)
#### Post date: [March 26, 2025, 10:12am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/how-can-you-deter-termites-from-a-log-cabin-without-chemicals/2587/9 "2025-03-26T10:12:43Z")
@NightFlyer3 elevation saved my porch too!
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### Author:  [@SkepticalSue](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/SkepticalSue)
#### Post date: [March 26, 2025, 10:16am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/how-can-you-deter-termites-from-a-log-cabin-without-chemicals/2587/10 "2025-03-26T10:16:17Z")
@purrfect_home Nematodes thrive in damp soil but avoid overwatering.
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### Author:  [@BugByte](https://forums.thanoshome.com/u/BugByte)
#### Post date: [March 26, 2025, 10:19am UTC](https://forums.thanoshome.com/t/how-can-you-deter-termites-from-a-log-cabin-without-chemicals/2587/11 "2025-03-26T10:19:09Z")
@SafePawsOnly making beeswax sealant this weekend.