Orange oil has been the “go-to” natural termite treatment in Temecula for many years. However, it has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more Temecula residents are looking for a “green” termite treatment.
What is Orange Oil and How Does It Get Rid of Termites?
Orange oil is an extract from orange peels. Technical-grade orange oil, which is what is used in termite treatment, is produced through a steam distillation process (as opposed to the cold pressed process used to produce food-grade orange oil). Orange oil is very low in toxicity, but can cause irritation to the eyes and skin through prolonged contact. Orange oil is found in many household cleaners, because it is also an excellent natural solvent and degreaser.
In California, orange oil is registered under the brand name XT-2000. When used as a termite treatment, it is injected directly into the wood where termites have been detected until it saturates the infested wood. The active ingredient in orange oil used for termite treatment is d-limonene, which causes damage to the exoskeleton and cell membranes of termites, resulting in massive loss of water and proteins, and eventually leading to the termites’ death.
Benefits of Using Orange Oil for Termite Treatment in Temecula Homes
Orange oil is a completely natural product that is effective in treating the drywood termites found in Temecula. For those looking for a green termite treatment, orange oil is an excellent choice! Your home will have the distinct smell of orange for several days following an orange oil termite treatment, which can be a positive or negative side effect, depending on how much you like the smell of oranges.
Unlike fumigation or the “tenting” method of termite treatment, orange oil treatment does not require you to move out of your house, bag your food items, or shut off your gas and electricity, making things extremely convenient for Temecula homeowners.
Are There Any Downsides to Orange Oil Termite Treatment?
Because orange oil is a spot treatment for termites, only those termites residing in the areas treated with orange oil will be terminated. And while our pest control experts at Knockout Pest Control and Termite are very experienced at locating termite infestations, there may be termites in locations that we cannot access, such as behind drywall, that will not be reached by the orange oil treatment.
Orange oil treatment is only effective for small, localized termite infestations. For larger infestations of termites, we recommend whole-house fumigation, which is the most effective method of eradicating termites, and is completely safe for humans and pets once the gas dissipates.
Contact an Experienced Pest Control Company in Temecula
If you suspect your house may have termites, give us a call or contact us at Knockout Pest Control and Termite. One of our pest control experts can come to your Temecula home and do a free inspection, and give you recommendations as to the most effective way to rid your home of damaging termites.
