When it rains it pours. I have two pest problems and I'm trying to go about it the most economical and environmentally friendly way.

My first issue is for a bee hive that has been on our property for nearly two years. The bees made their home in my favorite fountain. We turned off the water flow in the fountain several years ago. There is a local company that will take the whole fountain with the bees and transport them to an area where the bees won't be harmed. It'll cost $75.00 for removal and I'll also lose my $250.00 fountain. :-( But the bees will be ok. I don't feel right just killing them especially b/c bees are in decline. Is there another option that I'm not thinking of? I don't want to kill the bees.

The other issue is a bit more difficult. Termites. I noticed little termite poo poo droppings on the floor near our french doors in the kitchen. The last thing I want is these little critters making a meal out of our house but I'm certainly not wanting toxins to be soaked into the wood either.

Anyone have success with borax or other methods of exterminating termites themselves? I'm sick to my stomach thinking of the cost for using a termite exterminator.

I don't have termites where I live, but here's a tip that was online...

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"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~Immanual Kant~

Ooooh, I didn't see those ideas online. Certainly nothing toxic about those methods. Thanks K2C!

We made a spray with peppermint oil and borax. The area was saturated and there has been non signs of manifestation. We're going to spray the attic and the perimeter of the home tomorrow. The peppermint smells soooooo good. :-)

Regarding the bees, I'm going to let the bee lady take my fountain. It's the easiest way to relocate the bees and my neighbor will be happy.

I was under the impression that local beekeepers would remove the bees for free and not steal your fountain, but I've never looked into it.

Boric acid is supposed to be good at pest control without being toxic to pets or humans. My granny once mentioned it for cockroach control.

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I'd rather meander for the prevention than race for the cure.