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What is Orange Oil Termite Control?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

Orange oil termite control is a type of pest management that uses the extract of orange rinds. This extract is often sprayed on wooden support beams underneath a house to kill termites living near the foundation. Exterminators can also drill holes into walls and ceilings and apply this product. During treatment, homeowners do not need to leave their residence or remove plants and animals, as there is no danger of harmful fumes.

Orange rinds are typically pressed in a machine in order to release their oil. This oil contains a substance known as d-limonene, an ingredient that is poisonous to termites. The extracted oil is typically a yellowish-orange liquid that might be slightly greasy.

Oil from orange rinds can be applied to beams under a house or via holes in walls and ceilings to exterminate termites.
Oil from orange rinds can be applied to beams under a house or via holes in walls and ceilings to exterminate termites.

Even though it is toxic to termites, d-limonene is not harmful to humans. It does not kill the insects on contact, but rather poisons them when they eat wood treated with this product. For this reason, orange oil may require several applications in order to eliminate an infestation.

Exterminators who practice orange oil termite control usually begin by spraying wooden beams under a crawl space as well as any wood siding, window frames, and eaves of the roof. They might also spray indoors, covering paneling, cabinets, and baseboards. In some instances, they may drill small holes into walls and ceilings in order to be able to get to wooden studs that are hidden.

Termite infestation can usually be detected while inspecting floorboards and woodwork in a home.
Termite infestation can usually be detected while inspecting floorboards and woodwork in a home.

People who have orange oil termite control done do not normally need to leave the house while the substance is being applied. They also do not need to pack up food or water during this time. Homeowners generally do not become sick from inhaling fumes. In fact, the treatment may leave a pleasant citrus fragrance lingering in the air.

Exterminators who apply orange oil to buildings do not usually need to wear protective gear while doing so. There is also little danger of harming the environment if a container of the product spill. In the event additional applications are needed, there is no need to worry about the termites building a resistance to d-limonene.

Orange oil is an extract that derives from orange rinds.
Orange oil is an extract that derives from orange rinds.

One of the disadvantages of orange oil termite control is that it is often difficult to treat all the wood in a given structure. This means homes that are heavily infested may not benefit from this method of pest control. The product itself can also be more costly than traditional chemicals, and may even be more expensive if a building require multiple treatment sessions.

Discussion Comments

SarahGen

@turquoise-- That's right, a good orange oil termite control product should just be made with orange peel extract and an emulsifier. Of course, the concentration of the extract is important. If the product contains too little of the extract or oil, then it might not be effective. I actually used a product that did not work. So it's a good idea to read some reviews of the different orange oil products first.

turquoise

@ZipLine-- The orange termite control product I'm using just contains orange peel extract and some inactive ingredients like water. So it's very natural and it works great for ants.

I developed an ant problem recently and the main area affected was the area where my dog's dry food and water is. They were being attracted to the dog food. I tried putting the dog food bowl elsewhere, but the ants found it again. So I went on a hunt for an ant killing product that I can use around the kitchen without it harming me or my dog.

I found the orange peel extract product and tried it immediately. The ants were gone in a couple of days! I highly recommend this for people who can't use insecticides with chemicals.

ZipLine

Are orange oil termite control products made purely of orange oil or do they control chemicals as well? I'm looking for a natural and safe solution for termite control, so I need a product that is completely natural.

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    • Oil from orange rinds can be applied to beams under a house or via holes in walls and ceilings to exterminate termites.
      By: mertcan
      Oil from orange rinds can be applied to beams under a house or via holes in walls and ceilings to exterminate termites.
    • Termite infestation can usually be detected while inspecting floorboards and woodwork in a home.
      By: lirtlon
      Termite infestation can usually be detected while inspecting floorboards and woodwork in a home.
    • Orange oil is an extract that derives from orange rinds.
      By: lapas77
      Orange oil is an extract that derives from orange rinds.