Clark Pest Control's Blog

Curious about Orange Oil for termite and Insect control?

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If you're contemplating an orange oil treatment for your home, it is important to enlist a company that offers traditional treatments (including fumigation) as well as Orange Oil treatments; it is the only way you can be certain you'll get an unbiased opinion regarding your specific termite control needs. All termite infestations are different and treatment methods are by no means "One size fits all".

Like most products, Orange Oil has its benefits and limitations:

• Orange oil is effective for Drywood termites
• Orange Oil is not effective for Subterranean termite infestations  
   
• Orange Oil will only kill termites where an infestation can be identified and spot-treated
• Orange oil treatments for Drywood termites are localized, spot applications of individual termite infestations and require drilling into the infested wood and injecting the product into the termite galleries
• Orange oil does not leave a long-lasting residual for future protection
• Orange Oil and other D-limonene based termite control products are not considered an alternative to fumigation 
    
• Orange oil products contain the active ingredient d-limonene. D-limonene is extracted from the rinds of oranges, and it's the same chemical found in many household products.
• Orange Oil Termite treatments do not require moving out overnight during the treatment, removal of plants or boarding of pets or bagging of food and medicine 
    
• Large treatments with orange oil could cost more than fumigation
• Orange oil will not control undetected infestations
• Fumigation is the only way to completely control Drywood termites in an entire structure; 90-95% of a building's wood framing is covered by various building materials (drywall, plaster, insulation, roofing, etc), locating individual termite infestation for drilling and localized treatment is extremely difficult
• • Termites spread by swarming (flying) and can land in secluded places in a structure to begin new infestations; if you can't get to an area for a thorough inspection, you won't know if you require spot treatments those areas.   

     

Most importantly, you should hire a trained and licensed inspector to honestly evaluate your specific property. The type of termite(s) and their location(s) will determine what type of treatment(s) will be most effective for your home.

Helpful links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_oil

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7440.html