How to Buy and Apply Orange Oil for Termites
Orange oil or d-limonene has been touted for its ability to kill termites on contact. This oil is actually a terpene hydrocarbon colorless liquid that will harm a termite as long as it is sprayed directly on the insect. Because of their reluctance to use harsh chemicals, many people prefer to use this type of treatment. It is notable that the homeowner will have to directly spray the termite for the product to have its desired effect. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Examine the areas where termites are nesting within the house. Look for swarms of winged insects outside of the home or in the dirt. Check any wooden furniture, house framework and walls for termites or their droppings. Walk around the house to see if they may be nesting in the crawl space, exterior walls or wooden beams.
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Purchase orange oil at your local health food store, agricultural store or gardening supply store. Visit a few places and compare prices. The amount of orange oil that you will need depends on the extent of the termite problem.
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Spray any termites you see with the orange oil. Many orange oils come in a spray bottles; however, if yours doesn't, you can pour the oil into a spray bottle.
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Place the fallen insects into a garbage bag. The citrus acid in the orange oil is what eats through the insect's exoskeleton. Continue to spray until you see the insect stop moving.
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Remove the garbage bag and place it in a garbage can with a tight lid. If a couple of termites aren't completely dead, they can escape from the bag and wind up back in the home.
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Tips & Warnings
Respray the termite area in four days, because the oil will have evaporated within a couple days. In addition, termites generally avoid an area that smells like the oil.
Wear a mask, gloves and goggles because some people have negative reactions to the orange oil.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
