Yesterday, we explored traditional chemical methods for termite infestations. Today, we’re delving further into the alternative natural methods.
Originally used as a universal solvent and a fragrance additive for perfumes and taken from the rinds of the orange, a natural oil named Limonene was found to also be useful as a pesticide. The chemicals in the oil react with the central nervous system of the bug to kill them. The corpses left behind have oil residue on them which can continue treating any other infestations and the orange scent disrupts the pheromone chain which will lessen the chances of the bugs knowing where to return to. Along with many other naturally-sourced pesticides, orange oil was looked at as being something that would bring the same results as a chemical treatment without the problem of toxicity.
Even with all of the possible benefits that the natural pesticides like orange oil bring, they still have problems just like their chemical brothers. The naturally-based products are applied with nozzles and sprayers which lead to the need to use a lot of product to cover a large infestation or a worry that you will need to have several applications if the infestation has multiple access points into the structure. Orange oil also can be highly flammable when used in a heavy saturation so you need to be extra careful if you plan on treating a kitchen or similar area. One concern is that, since it is not a gas & not applied through fumigation, that problems throughout the entire structure may not be addressed.
Like its natural cousin, chemically based pesticides have their own host of application problems. With new modes of construction, the ways that the walls are built can hinder the fogged pesticide. Tightly sealed wall boards and ceilings stop the fog from reaching into the wall interior which means the infestation could avoid the treatment altogether. Unlike the natural pesticides that are administered directly, the fog method is a form of blanket coverage that still does not 100% guarantee that it will take care of the whole problem. However, older structures without tightly sealed wallboards won’t have this problem to the same extent.
We asked our regular termite inspector (who also helps us coordinate much of the termite repair work in our business) about orange oil as an alternative. He said often the orange oil companies will use some of the chemical pesticides in conjunction with the orange oil—so this would be a question to ask any of those companies, so that you can make a decision about what is best for you.
So to summarize a bit, you have traditional methods using chemicals that even through fumigation may not reach all crevasses of a structure. You have alternative orange oil treatment that must be applied locally and not as a whole-structure fumigation – again, possibly not treating all infected areas. And, you have the choice to use a combination of both – which may mitigate the overall usage of chemicals, but still may not cover all areas. With no clear guarantee of ridding the entire structure of infestation, it makes the choice difficult. But through discussing with your termite professional in the real estate transaction and querying your local orange oil provider, you can make your own educated decision. And, hopefully this article has provided enough information to know what questions to ask.
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