Orange oil as a treatment only works on Drywood termites as they tend to colonise in the food that they are feeding on. It doesn’t work on subterranean termites as they reside in the soil and come up only to feed on the wood.
>> Also read: Best Termite Killer Products
Using Orange Oil as Termite Treatment
Orange oil comes from orange rinds and is often used as food additives or cleaning solutions. It has an active ingredient called D-Limonene that can get rid of a termite infestation by breaking the eggs and their exoskeletons.
>> Also read: Drywood Termites Signs
Before treating termites with Orange Oil, conduct an inspection to determine the extent of the infestation and the type of termites you are dealing with. If the situation is not too severe and you are indeed dealing with drywood termites, start by drilling holes in the wood and inject the orange oil into the holes and let it work through capillary action to kill the pest.
- Environmentally-friendly option
- Has low toxicity when compared to other termite solutions
- There is no need to temporarily evacuate the home while treatment is being applied
- Also works against carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and drywood termites
- Safe to use around pets and plants
- Doesn’t work on subterranean termites
- Orange oil is flammable and there’s a slight risk especially when used on wood
- Only kills on contact
- Short-term solution
- Drilling of holes in the wood is required
- Requires multiple treatments
- sing orange oil as termite treatment for large colonies can actually be way more expensive than traditional fumigation
Final Thoughts
Termites are responsible for billions of dollars worth of costs in repairs, treatments, and damages. Traditional treatments for termites do help in controlling or eliminating infestations, but homeowners who are eco-friendly want green options too. Using orange oil as a termite treatment can be more environmentally friendly, which is why many people often suggest it as a form of treatment for a termite infestation.
That said, with any natural pest treatments, they may not be as effective as chemical based alternatives. The effects are also short-terms and can actually be more costly over the long run.