Consumers have been fed a small dose of misinformation through commercials and radio ads claiming eradication of infestation through environmentally-friendly applications of Orange Oil.  These advertisements are currently the subject of an ongoing Structural Pest Control Board (herein referred to as Board) false and misleading advertising violation investigation.  (November 18, 2008 Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Structural Pest Control Board, Section XVII).

The Orange Oil media blitz has resulted in a drastic cost impact to consumers.  The competitive advertisement campaign costs are being unfairly shouldered by homeowners by way of over-inflated treatment fees. 

Facts
Orange Oil is a highly flammable essential oil containing the active ingredient d-limonene, derived from the rind of an orange.  When applied, it leaves a very pungent citrus odor.  There is much debate as to whether Drywood Termites will naturally avoid the essence as they commonly do with most repellants.

Orange Oil is only effective for the spot treatment of Drywood Termites, and will not control infestations of Western Subterranean Termites.  Orange Oil applications require drilling into the infested wood and injecting the product directly into each identified termite gallery.  Traditional termite control chemicals work on a "transfer" basis (explained below), whereas Orange Oil is only effective when directly applied and will not treat undetected infestations, which leaves your home susceptible to further damage.  

By statue (Board Regulation Title 16, Section 1990), pest control companies are required to inform you that these are limited treatments and that there may be hidden infestations. "Local treatment is not intended as an entire structure treatment method.  If infestations of wood-destroying pests extend or exist beyond the areas of local treatment, they may not be exterminated

The above-mentioned language flies in the face of the claim that Orange Oil alone can be legally prescribed to eradicate an entire infestation.  It is assumed that this statement is well hidden within wood-destroying organism (“termite”) reports which prescribe Orange Oil for Drywood Termite treatment.  With minimal research, it is easily concluded that Orange Oil is a limited treatment and will not guarantee the protection of a home from Drywood Termite infestation. 

These ad campaigns claim the choice is between their “Revolutionary” treatment and the application of fumigants (i.e., tenting).  This is misleading!  Drywood Termite infestations have traditionally been dealt with using methods other than fumigation.  Orange Oil, developed in China, was introduced to the United States in the 1980’s and was rejected by the local operators of termite companies.  The drill and treat method was developed long before that.  What is revolutionary is the fear mongering, ugly, and misleading supply-side economics ad campaign that misuses peoples’ need to help the environment.

When applying the chemical Termidor, per label directions, most treatments use .08 ounces of Termidor in a water solution, equaling approximately 1 quart of solution.  Termidor is 15% technical grade, which means that only about .01 ounces of Termidor would actually be used.  Termidor does not glow in the dark and is nothing to be afraid of.  Most limited drill and treat chemical applications by local established companies are performed for $350.00 to $750.00.  Orange Oil treatments start at $1200.00.

Homes with multiple infestations should be fumigated for effectiveness and cost; however, Orange Oil companies do not offer fumigations.  There can be diminishing returns when a limited local treatment costs $1200.00 and the fumigation, treating the entire home, costs $1500.00.  Fumigation is not the deadly monster that they attempt to portray.  A healthy mammal has to be exposed for hours in an enclosed space during fumigation to be fatal.  Sulfur Fluoride is a gas that flashes at about minus 250° Fahrenheit, is a small molecule that expands out rapidly, and is deadly to most small insects.  It expands so quickly that it must be contained by canvas.  Fumigation is so effective because it eradicates infestations even when you don’t know where they are located.  Although it may be considered a difficult and time-consuming process, it works…tried and true.  

Worth It?
Consumers should know the reality of every option available to them so that they can make an educated and appropriate decision as to how to protect their home.  Many people will gladly pay a little extra if it means that they feel safer about the products and methods used in their homes.  Unfortunately, many consumers are paying more than a little extra for what's being falsely billed out as "peace of mind."  Until a more effective environmentally-friendly product is made available, the best bet, for your home and wallet, is to contact a local, well established, licensed, and reputable pest control firm experienced in safe applications of traditional treatments.