Orange Oil: Termite Breakfast Drink or Long-term Killer?
Green is good and so many of us in California do what we can to preserve our increasingly fragile planet. Companies know this and some attempt to exploit our positive intentions by promoting their products as green. Orange oil treatments to eradicate termites are an example.
For years, as a state director of the California Association of Realtors, I have heard pest control operators explain at our meetings why orange oil (D-limonene) is, at best, only a temporary solution to termite infestation. Today, while ordering a pest control inspection on a new listing, I asked the veteran owner of the company his views. Not surprisingly, he told me that orange oil will kill termites, but, as he said, so will water. They key question is: Will the treatment eliminate the entire infestation and how long will it last?
My understanding is that orange oil is effective for drywood termites when there is direct contact, but not subterranean termites. Well, in the Oakland/Berkeley area, most of our older homes are prey to subterranean termites who just laugh at orange oil. Even for those properties with drywood termite infestations, orange oil has numerous disadvantages.
According to Ken W. Holmes, President of Bug Central Termite and Pest Control:
- “Orange oil will not control undetected infestations
- Large treatments with orange oil could cost more than fumigation
- Orange oil does not leave a long lasting residual for future protection
- Orange oil requires drilling into your walls and wood members”
As a Realtor, I give real estate, not pest control, advice. So my real estate advice is – consult pest control industry experts before hiring anyone to use orange oil spray on your property. Here are some other sources of online info:
How to Manage Pests
Orange Oil for Termites
Wikipedia: Orange Oil