Orange Oil For Termites: Does it Work?

Termite tunnel inside home

Termites are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. These tiny insects cause costly property damage every year, silently chewing away at the wooden structures of homes and commercial businesses. There are many methods to fight these pests, but one has gained attention for being environmentally friendly: orange oil for termites. However, does this eco-friendly method actually work?

In this blog, we’ll explore orange oil termite treatment, how it works, whether it’s effective, and what you should know before choosing this option for termite control.

What is Orange Oil?

Orange oil is a natural product extracted from orange peels. Due to its pleasant citrus scent, orange oil is often used in cleaning products, perfumes, and shampoos. But beyond these everyday uses, orange oil has also been marketed as a natural pesticide. It’s particularly popular among those looking for a non-toxic solution to control pests, especially termites.

This oil is produced as a by-product of the orange juice production process, making it a renewable and eco-friendly pest control option. Orange trees use this oil as a defense mechanism to protect their fruit from pests. When it comes to termites, the oil acts as a natural insecticide.

Does Orange Oil Kill Termites?

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly pest control option, orange oil can kill termites. The active ingredient in termite orange oil, D-limonene, kills termites by breaking down their exoskeletons. When termites come into direct contact with the oil, the waxy coating on their bodies dissolves, causing them to lose moisture and die from dehydration. Additionally, orange oil can destroy termite eggs by penetrating their protective layers, which is one of the reasons it’s often chosen as a natural alternative to more aggressive chemical treatments.

While orange oil can kill termites on contact, it’s not a long-term solution for severe infestations. Since direct contact is required to be effective, it’s easy for termites to avoid treated areas and continue damaging your home. Additionally, orange oil doesn’t create a barrier to prevent future infestations. Termites can return to the same spot once the oil has worn off, making reapplications necessary.

If you’re dealing with a small, localized infestation of dry wood termites, orange oil can be a temporary fix. However, a more comprehensive treatment plan is recommended for larger or more widespread infestations.

Does Orange Oil Work for All Termite Species?

While orange oil termite treatment can be effective, it’s important to note that its success is mostly limited to dry wood termites. Dry wood termites live inside wooden structures, making them easier to target with localized treatments like orange oil. However, if you’re dealing with subterranean termites, orange oil treatment may not be as effective. Subterranean termites live underground and build mud tubes to reach wood, so orange oil can’t penetrate deep enough into the soil to kill these pests in their nests.

Pros and Cons of Orange Oil Termite Treatment

Do you want to try orange oil to get rid of termites? Here are the pros and cons of orange oil termite treatment:

6 Pros of Using Orange Oil for Termite Control

1. Eco-Friendly

One of the biggest advantages of orange oil for termites is that it’s environmentally friendly. Homeowners who are concerned about using harsh chemicals in their homes or gardens often turn to orange oil as a natural alternative. It’s non-toxic to humans and pets, and unlike chemical treatments, it won’t harm the environment.

2. No Need for Tenting or Moving Out

Traditional termite treatments, especially fumigation, require you to tent your house and evacuate for several days, which can be incredibly inconvenient. Orange oil treatments, on the other hand, don’t require you to move out. You can stay in your home while the treatment is applied.

3. Targeted Treatment

Orange oil for termites is typically used for spot treatments, which means it’s applied directly to the areas where the insects are present. This can be a good option if you have a localized infestation and want to avoid treating your entire house.

4. Pleasant Scent

Unlike chemical treatments, which can leave your home smelling like a science lab, orange oil leaves behind a fresh, citrusy smell. This is a small perk, but it makes the treatment process a little more pleasant.

5. Safe for Sensitive Environments

Orange oil is a safer alternative in houses with children, pets, or people with allergies. Since it’s non-toxic, you don’t have to worry about chemical residue on surfaces or in the air, which can be a concern with synthetic pesticides.

6. Minimally Invasive

Orange oil doesn’t require drilling into walls or tearing apart floors. The treatment is generally non-invasive, targeting specific areas where termites have been spotted, which means less disruption to your home’s structure.

6 Cons of Using Orange Oil for Termite Control

1. Limited Effectiveness

Orange oil works best when termites are directly exposed to it. If termites are hidden deep within the wood or in hard-to-reach places, the oil may not reach them. This makes it difficult to eliminate an entire infestation using orange oil alone. Unlike fumigation, which can kill termites throughout your home, orange oil is a localized treatment, so it only works where it’s applied.

2. Frequent Reapplications

Because orange oil for termites doesn’t last very long, it may require frequent reapplications. Termites could return if the treatment wears off, meaning you might have to treat the same areas multiple times. In contrast, synthetic termiticides have a longer residual effect, providing ongoing protection after just one application.

3. Not Effective for Subterranean Termites

As mentioned earlier, orange oil is not effective for subterranean termites. These termites live in the soil and travel through mud tubes to reach the wood in your home. Orange oil doesn’t penetrate deep enough to reach their nests, so it’s not a viable solution for these types of termites. If you’re dealing with subterranean termites, you’ll need to look at other treatment options.

4. Ineffective for Large-Scale Infestations

Orange oil treatments are best suited for small, localized termite problems. In cases of widespread infestations throughout a home, the limited reach of orange oil may not be sufficient. Large infestations often require comprehensive solutions like fumigation, which can cover the entire structure, while orange oil only targets the specific areas it’s applied to. For severe infestations, relying solely on orange oil could leave significant portions of the termite colony untreated.

5. Not a Preventive Solution

Orange oil is great for spot-treating active termite infestations, but it doesn’t create a barrier to prevent future termite invasions. You’ll need to consider combining it with other treatments or closely monitor your property for re-infestations.

6. Higher Costs Over Time

While orange oil may seem like an affordable option upfront, the need for multiple reapplications can add up over time, especially for larger homes or severe infestations. The total cost can eventually exceed that of more comprehensive treatments like fumigation.

When to Choose Orange Oil Treatment for Termites

Orange oil treatment for termites can be a good option if you have a small, localized infestation of dry wood termites and want a natural, eco-friendly solution. It’s also a good choice if you prefer a non-disruptive treatment that doesn’t require you to leave the house. However, if you’re dealing with a larger infestation or subterranean termites, orange oil likely won’t be enough to get the job done.

If you’re unsure whether orange oil is the right choice, consider booking a professional termite inspection. An expert can assess the severity of your infestation and recommend the best course of action. In some cases, a combination of treatments might be the best solution.

Orange Oil vs Traditional Termite Treatments

When considering if  orange oil is right for you, it’s important to compare it to more traditional options like the ones outlined below:

1. Orange Oil Treatment vs Tenting 

Tenting or fumigation is one of the most common and effective termite treatment methods. This method involves covering the house with a tent and releasing a gas that penetrates walls, floors, and furniture to kill termites. Unlike orange oil, fumigation can treat the entire house and reach termites in hidden areas. However, it’s more disruptive since you have to leave your house for several days.

2. Orange Oil Treatment vs Baiting Systems

Baiting systems involve placing termite bait stations around the perimeter of your house. The bait is laced with slow-acting poison that termites take back to their colony. Over time, this can eliminate the entire colony. This method is highly effective against subterranean termites, which orange oil can’t reach. However, baiting systems can take months to eliminate a termite infestation.

3. Orange Oil Treatment vs Chemical Barriers

Chemical barriers involve applying termiticides around the foundation of your home to create a protective barrier. These chemicals are non-repellent, meaning termites don’t avoid them. Instead, they pass through the barrier and transfer the poison to other termites in the colony. This method provides long-lasting protection, which orange oil doesn’t offer.

How to Perform DIY Orange Oil for Termites

If you decide to use orange oil for termites, it’s important to apply it properly to get the best results. Here’s a basic guide to DIY orange oil for termites:

  1. Identify the Infested Areas: Locate the areas where termites are active. You may notice damaged wood, termite droppings, or even live termites. These are the areas where you’ll want to apply the orange oil.
  2. Drill Holes: In order to get the oil deep into the wood, you’ll need to drill small holes into the infested areas. This allows the oil to penetrate the termite galleries (the tunnels they create inside the wood).
  3. Inject the Oil: Use a syringe or applicator to inject the orange oil into the drilled holes. Be sure to thoroughly saturate the area to ensure the termites come into contact with the oil.
  4. Seal the Holes: Once you’ve applied the oil, seal the holes with wood filler or caulk to prevent further termite activity.
  5. Reapply as Needed: Depending on the severity of your infestation, you may need to reapply the oil periodically to ensure all termites are eliminated.

Final Thoughts: Is Orange Oil Worth It?

Termite orange oil can be a useful tool in the fight against termites, especially if you’re dealing with a small-level infestation of dry wood termites and are looking for a natural solution. It’s eco-friendly, non-disruptive, and leaves your house smelling like fresh citrus. However, its effectiveness is limited, and it doesn’t provide long-term protection.

If you have a large-scale infestation or are dealing with subterranean termites, you’ll likely need to explore other treatment options. Professional termite treatments like fumigation, baiting systems, and chemical barriers are more reliable for long-term termite control.

In the end, the decision to use orange oil for termites comes down to the size and type of infestation you’re dealing with. Always consult a pest control professional before choosing a treatment plan; they can help you find the best solution to protect your home.

If you’re dealing with termites and are unsure of the best treatment, contact Preventative Pest Control. With personalized subscription plans and affordable pricing, we can help protect your home from termites and the costly damage they can cause. Schedule an inspection today to keep your home termite-free!