Orange Oil –vs- Fumigation:
Which treatment is better? The answer is not so easy as it all depends on the level of infestation that exists in the structure. The only way to know if orange oil or fumigation would be best for you is to get a professional termite inspection to identify just how infested you home may be.
Here’s what you need to know:
Over the past few years more and more Los Angeles and Orange County home owners have become aware of new methods for treating termites (mostly advertising orange oil products) largely due to the amount of radio advertising. In doing so, some companies have over sold the effectiveness of some treatment methods and products.
The simple truth is that Orange Oil treatments fall into the same category as all other localized treatments and will not kill termites in any area of infestation that is not detected or specifically treated.
What is a localized termite treatment?
A localized termite treatment is a chemical spot application using an insecticide in a specific location to control or eliminate termites in the area treated.
What is whole structure fumigation?
Whole structure fumigation is a chemical application using a fumigant contained by a tarp that surrounds the structure being fumigated.
The main advantage of whole structure fumigation is that all drywood termite colonies will be eliminated, even if the termite inspector was not able to see them do to inaccessible areas. Example: (Areas behind drywall, under floor coverings, or covered by insulation, etc.)
Some of the disadvantages of fumigation:
- Potential plant damage
- Potential roof damage
- Moving out for 2 nights
- Boarding Pets
- Preparation and bagging of food items
- No residual protection against future infestations
Reasons to choose whole structure fumigation:
- Your termite inspector has identified numerous active infestations throughout your home
- Termite have already done extensive damage to the structure and you want to ensure that all potential future damage is stopped.
- The active infestations are in areas that are inaccessible for localized spot treatments.
- The active infestations are in an area that you don’t want to drill into for treatment.
- If you have any areas of active infestation that are inaccessible for spot treatments and you plan on selling your home within the warranty period of the treatment, you should fumigated your home to eliminate all termites as this is usually required in most escrow transactions.
Some good news:
Not every home needs to be fumigated to control drywood termites. If your home was fumigated in the past few years then you may not need to re-fumigate again. We recommend having your home inspected and locally spot treated annually to control new infestations and future damage. In many cases the termite infestations we find have not moved into inaccessible areas and can be eliminated with localized spot treatments.
What products are used by Bug Central for localized spot treatments?
- Orange Oil
- Bora-Care
- Termidor
- Premise
Can orange oil or fumigation eliminate subterranean termites?
No, subterranean termites are treated by injecting the soil around or under the structure with Termidor.
Is Orange Oil toxic?
Yes, it would need to be toxic to kill termites. Some products are less toxic than others.
Even Bora-Care which is considered a natural green treatment product is considered a chemical and is toxic to termites.
Example: Most of us don’t think twice about using our gas stove to cook food even though natural gas is toxic and flammable. When used properly natural gas will safely do its job of heating and cooking our food without any adverse affects to us. The same goes for the proper use and application of pesticides.
