Can Orange Oil Get Rid of Termites?

Orange oil for termites can work as a temporary repellent and if directly applied, can even potentially kill termites. However, orange oil is far from effective enough to protect your home from termites when compared to specially designed termite control products.

If termites do not come into direct contact with orange oil, they will not feel any effects, making it very hard to successfully treat an entire infestation. Careful and thorough use of orange oil can be somewhat effective if treating for drywood termites but is not as effective when used for subterranean termite control. Also, reapplication is usually needed since subterranean termites live in the soil and only come up to feed on wood.

What is Orange Oil?

Orange oil is not a fruit juice but is instead an extract from processed orange peels. The insecticidal ingredient of orange oil is d-limonene. Although orange oil has low toxicity, direct exposure can cause irritation to the skin and eyes.

How Long Does Orange Oil Last for Termites?

Orange oil is only effective against termites for 3-7 days after direct contact. If an existing infestation isn’t located and treated, a re-infestation can or likely will occur. Orange oil also has little, if any, residual effectiveness.

How to Get Rid of Termites?

Many homeowners that have termite problems focus on what termite product to use - liquid or dust termiticides vs. termiticide-infused baits. But successful elimination of termites involves far more. Different species of termites respond to individual types of termite treatment; therefore, one of the most essential parts to termite control is correctly identifying the species.

Your Orkin Pro can help identify and determine the best termite control methods for your home.