What is a termite orange oil treatment? Is that effective?

Answer 1

Many people consider orange oil to be a safe non-toxic alternative to traditional termite control treatment methods. Orange oil contains the active ingredient d-limonene & is extracted from the rinds of oranges, and it's the same chemical found in many household products. "Due to Orange Oil's low toxicity, it has become the preferred termite control method for many home owners and industries very effective."
Dr. Rudolf H. Scheffrahn, an entomologist working at the University of Florida was commissioned to conduct an efficacy study to discover the true effectiveness of XT-2000 (Orange Oil Termiticide) He found that termites "treated with 92% d-limonene yielded mortalities ranging from 47-100% with a total mean mortality of 97.4%" http://www.orangeoilprofessionals.com/

It's the high acidity that kills the termites. "Once injected into the termite galleries, the highly concentrated citrus oil kills termites and their eggs. The oil has the ability to move through the wood by capillary action which helps to achieve thorough penetration. Termites not directly hit with the orange oil will die if they eat any wood recently treated."

Because of its 90-95% limonene content, orange peel oil has a lethal effect on houseflies, fleas and fireants.http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/orange.html#Other%20Uses

"Limonene or d-Limonene is the latest addition to the botanicals ... Extracted from citrus peel, it is effective against all external pests of pets, including fleas, lice, mites, and ticks, and is virtually nontoxic to warm-blooded animals. Several insecticidal substances occur in citrus oil, but the most important is limonene, which constitutes about 98% of the orange peel oil by weight."
http://ipmworld.umn.edu/chapters/ware.htm

There's not a whole lot of research but it's thought that it's known effectiveness on ants would apply to termites. It is said to work best when immediately applied & can lose it's effectiveness over time & need reapplication.

You might find it interesting that catnip also repells termites as well as mosquitoes:
Http://www.lancaster.unl.edu/nebline/2003/novdec03/page06.pdf
Good luck! Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Xt2000 Orange Oil

Answer 3

it works well