Termites are a  terrible problem to have.  Figuring out termite control can be equally confusing.  Traditional house tenting and using poisonous chemicals like sulfuryl fluoride – Vikane is now competing with using Orange Oil (XT-2000) which does not require moving out.  There are tradeoffs with each.

Orange oil for termites contain the active ingredient, 95% pure d-limonene. D-limonene is extracted from the rinds of oranges. Boroscopes with fiber optic technology are used to see through walls looking for termites.  Orange oil treatment will only kill termites in the infested areas treated as it is a localized spot application. They will treat the area by drilling into the infested wood and injecting the Orange Oil into the termite galleries. It is effective for drywood termites, not subterranean termite infestations.

There is an ongoing battle over the efficacy of orange oil for termite control. This article covers a UC Berkeley Dow Chemical funded study that fumigation companies are using to counter orange oil and push for toxic chemicals like Vikane against termites.

Alternative like sodium borate are also available.  We found an old pocket of termite damage when we did remodelling and use Bora-Care on it.

Not every house needs to be fumigated. Determining factors will include areas of infestation, level of infestations, size and age of the colonies, type of termites.  A trained professional should take all these into account when doing termite control.

If you are considering using Orange Oil for termites be sure to locate a licensed and qualified termite control company that offers traditional treatments and fumigation as well as Orange Oil.  This way you can receive an unbiased analysis.

Be sure to read our articles Orange Oil Termite Pest Control – XT-2000 Orange Oil – Eco Friendly Green Pest Control