I exhibited at the Older and Bolder Expo last Saturday in Carlsbad, CA, where hundreds of seniors attended. At my table, the most common comments I heard were: “I just tented my house.” or “Do you tent, or do you use orange oil?” It struck me that many people think they only have two options: fumigation or orange oil.

When I had the chance, I explained why I don’t use or recommend orange oil:

• It only kills on contact, so termites can’t transfer it back to the colony.
  
  
• Termites can detect it by taste and smell, so they avoid it, often retreating deeper into the wood.
  
  
• It offers no residual protection—dissipating in less than a month.
  
  
• It’s flammable.
  
  

Then I explained the benefits of the product I do use:

• Termites can’t detect it. Because it doesn’t kill on contact, they carry it back to the colony, producing a 100% mortality rate.
  
  
• It remains in the wood for up to ten years, providing long-term residual protection.
  
  
• It has low toxicity.
  
  
• It’s not flammable.
  
  

As for fumigation, a large portion of Californians have been led to believe it’s the only effective treatment for drywood termites. Why?

• The California Structural Pest Control Board requires companies to list fumigation as the primary recommendation on reports.
  
  
• Many of the largest termite companies make fumigation their default recommendation.
  
  

It doesn’t matter if an inspector finds only one or two infestations—or if the home was just fumigated recently—fumigation is still what’s pushed. The state argues that it’s the only “comprehensive” treatment. Large companies add that you “can’t see inside the walls,” so tenting is the only way to treat any hidden termites.

But here’s the reality: termites spread by swarming. Swarmers are poor fliers—most die shortly after leaving the colony. The few that succeed target the “low hanging fruit”: exposed eaves or wood near vents. The wood inside your walls, protected by stucco and drywall, is rarely their first stop. For termites to reach it, you’d have to ignore an active infestation for years.

And why would someone ignore termites? Often, because they don’t want to fumigate—and they don’t realize effective alternatives exist. Or they tried orange oil, only to see the problem worsen.

The takeaway: If you see signs of termites, call a termite company right away. Many infestations can be handled with a simple, non–orange oil spot treatment. Better yet, protect your home with a full-structure warranty that includes annual inspections, local treatments, and call-backs when needed.

Bottom line: You don’t have to tent—and you should steer clear of companies that use orange oil.