Repel Termites With A Natural Solution That's So Simple

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Termites are a common problem across the United States. While it can be concerning if you find termites invading the trees in your yard, the bigger issue is when they are found under your home or infesting your deck. That's because once they become established in a structure, they are capable of causing immense damage. At that point, it is also very difficult to get rid of them without the use of harsh chemical treatments. Therefore, prevention is the best option. Luckily, there are a number of chemical-free, natural ways to help prevent termites from becoming established in the first place. One of the simplest is to employ orange oil, a natural solution termites can't stand.

Orange oil is actually derived from the peel rather than the flesh or juice of an orange. The orange peel extract contains a substance known as d-limonene, which is a natural insecticide. D-limonene acts as a contact killer, as it destroys the exoskeleton of the termites it touches. Additionally, the vapors emitted by the orange oil negatively affect their ability to breathe. The combination of these effects typically leads to a quick death for termites that come in contact with orange oil.

Beyond acting as a contact killer, orange oil is a good — and pleasant-smelling — way to keep termites from entering your home. That's because the scent and residue from orange oil will continue to act as a deterrent even after the d-limonene has diminished beyond its lethal capabilities. Incidentally, orange oil has the same effects on other insects, which is why it's an eco-friendly way keep ants out of your garden and home as well.

There are a few ways to use orange oil to keep termites out of your house or garden shed, as well as drive away or kill any that may have already entered. One method is to put a few drops of NaturoBliss 100% pure orange essential oil or similar product on cotton balls. These orange oil-treated cotton balls can then be placed near areas where termites are likely to enter or become active. You can also apply orange oil to wood surfaces and entryways. It does not leave any harmful residue and will kill any termites that come in contact with it as they attempt to make their way into your home.

If you find localized areas of termites activity, you can also use orange oil to kill or drive out those invading insects. This is done by applying orange oil directly to the affected pieces of wood. Should you find tunnels created by termites, spray orange oil directly into those cavities. In this instance, you want to use enough oil so it soaks into the wood around the affected area. At times, it may even be necessary to drill holes near the infected area in order to reach the tunnels and saturate the surrounding wood fibers.

According to the EPA's best advice on termites, prevention is an ongoing process. That is certainly the case with orange oil, as it needs to be reapplied every few days in order to maintain its effectiveness. Additionally, the use of orange oil does not replace other termite prevention measures, such as sealing cracks, reducing moisture, and keeping firewood, mulch, and other termite attractants away from structures.