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  • Writer's pictureJon Stoddard

Is Orange Oil Good For treating Termites?



Orange Tree

Termites are minute-bodied pale insects that dwell mostly in large groups within other hills made of soil and dirt. Termites, among other things, feed on wood and are highly destructive, consequently damaging homeowners' properties. To treats and repair the damages caused by termites, homeowners spend billions of dollars each year repairing the catastrophe. Termites' destruction is not a recent problem and has been managed with highly effective traditional treatments used to control termite populations by Pest Control Companies.

Nonetheless, due to the degradation of the eco-system and the world's attentiveness to a green world, homeowners are more likely to prefer green pest control options. One of the most sought after pest control today is orange oil. This oil is mainly extracted from orange peels. These orange peels are also popularly used for cleaning solutions and food flavors. One of the active components of orange oil is D-limonene. This ingredient can destroy the termites' exoskeleton and eggs, thus killing the termites on contact, and as a result, controls the termites' population. Unlike some pest control methods, orange oil provides a controlling remedy that doesn't involve the homeowner temporarily moving out of his house or getting a tent for the night.

The use of orange oil to treat or control termites has its pros and cons, and they include the following;

Pros

  • An orange oil termite treatment can be used without the homeowner moving out of the house or getting a tent to stay at night during treatment.

  • During an orange oil treatment, the homeowner does not have to remove his plants or board pets

  • Orange oil ensures no damage is done to roof tiles from treatment

  • The homeowner does not have to bag up food and medicinal supplies during treatment.

  • Orange oil is considered one of the effective green pest control because of its low toxicity.

Cons

  • The multiple uses of orange oil to treats the colony of termites, as a single treatment is not enough to effectively eradicate the termites.

  • The usage of orange oil for treating large infestations is costlier than a standard tent fumigation specialist method.

  • Orange oil is only effective when it directly contact the termites, and as such, it does not treat undetected infestations.

  • Orange oil is no the best treatment against wood-boring beetles, carpenter ants, and dry-wood termites, and other insects found on a Wood Destroying Organism Inspection compared to more traditional insecticides.

  • Without proper care, orange oil can become flammable when applied to the wood.

  • Orange oil should not be digested in any form. If exposed to the product for long, it could irritate the skin and eye, vomiting, irritation of the lungs, and other symptoms.

  • Orange oil treatment is not effective on subterranean termite treatments.

  • It is necessary to drill holes into wood components or walls of your home to use orange oil.

  • Orange oil can only be used for existing infestations and does not provide preventive measures against futuristic infestations.

The first step to take when using orange oil as a treatment against termites is to determine what kind of termite exists in the home. It should be noted that orange oil is not an effective treatment against all termites or colonies. This is because termites live in the wood they infest on, and as such, applying the orange oil directly to the colony is not very effective. Orange oil treatment is also not very effective against subterranean termites. This is because the termites live in the soil and temporarily leave their colony to feed on the woods.


After the termite has been identified, the next step is for the technician to drill holes into the wood or wall to treat the infested area. The orange oil will be inserted into these infested areas, which will then spread into the wood beams, and into the permeable cells via passageway movements, after that killing any termite or its eggs. It is worthy to note that any termite that does not contact the orange oil will not be destroyed.


Accordingly, the homeowners are advised to use orange oil multiple times for maximum effectiveness. After the treatment has been concluded, the homeowner can cover the holes and repaint the wood or wall.



Termite Tent Fumigation Daytona Beach

In conclusion, the use of orange oil has been proven useful when used but limited in application, making it less effective. To effectively eradicate termites, it is advised that orange oil is used as a secondary treatment. Orange oil treatment is less useful for treating large infestations since the termites will only be killed at the orange oil's direct contact, consequently necessitating multiple usages. If the orange oil is not used continuously, there is the tendency that the home is vulnerable to termite infestations. One of the primary pest control methods that can be considered most effective is Tent Fumigation. This method guarantees the complete eradication of an entire termite colony. This method penetrates walls, lumbers, floorings, and any other surface areas termite lives. For further assurance, a homeowner can use orange oil as its secondary pest control method; however, it is still not as effective as Borate-based termite spot treatment methods.


As a recap, it appears the gavel has dropped and ruled in favor of tent fumigation over orange oil termite treatments. If you seek a pest control company or in need of a tent fumigation company, contact us. Imperial Pest Prevention, a name you know and trust.



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