A method for controlling xylophages (e.g., termites, Asian Beetle, Emerald Ash borer, Weevils, Deathwatch Caterpillars, cockroaches) by inhibiting methane production of methanogenic Archaea in the digestive tract thereof. The inhibiting of the critical biochemical pathways specific to the methanogenic Archaea is achieved by contacting the xylophage with one or more antimethanogenic reagent (AMR) compounds. The AMRs may include, for example, naturally-occurring statins (which may be found in red yeast rice) or derivatives thereof, linoleic acid or related compounds, essential oils, certain synthetic compounds or combinations thereof. As a result, the effectiveness of the methanogenic Archaea to produce methane is compromised. This subsequently results into the malfunctioning of the xylophages' digestive system and provides a safe, natural, green and sustainable means of controlling the xylophages.
