I was scrolling through Nextdoor recently and saw someone asking for termite control recommendations. A few people suggested orange oil, and it made me realize—many people think orange oil is the only alternative to tenting. Some even believe it’s synonymous with local treatment.

Let’s clear that up.

Orange oil is one alternative to fumigation, but not the only one—and definitely not the most effective. Local treatments using professional-grade termiticides like Termidor are significantly more reliable.

The Branding vs. the Reality
“Orange oil” sounds safe and natural. The word “orange” feels healthy and harmless. But orange oil is actually D-limonene, a compound chemically similar to turpentine. Doesn’t sound quite as fun now, does it?

Kills on Contact—but That’s the Problem
Yes, orange oil kills termites on contact—but that’s not a good thing. Think of it like spraying a trail of ants. Unless you reach the nest, they’ll keep coming back. Same with termites: kill a few workers, and the queen will just make more.

The goal isn’t just to kill what you see—it’s to eliminate the colony. Modern termiticides are designed to be transferred by worker termites back to the queen, wiping out the entire colony over time.

Detectable Means Avoidable
Orange oil has a strong citrus odor—some like it, some don’t. But either way, termites can detect it and will avoid treated areas, often burrowing deeper into your wood.

On the other hand, modern termiticides like Termidor are odorless and undetectable. Termites don’t know they’re interacting with it, so they spread it to others in the colony without realizing it.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Protection
Orange oil breaks down quickly, often within a month. Even if it didn’t, termites can still smell and taste it—so they just avoid it. Termidor and similar products remain effective for years. 

Flammability and Paint Damage
Remember, D-limonene is similar to turpentine. Like turpentine, it’s flammable and can damage paint. Do you want someone injecting something flammable and paint-stripping into your home’s wood?

So Why Use It?
Let’s recap:

• Kills on contact—so it can’t spread to the colony

   

• Detectable—so termites avoid it

   

• Breaks down quickly—so no residual protection

   

• Flammable—and may damage your paint
  

So why do people still use it? Probably because of the name.

At California Termite, we only use treatment methods that actually work. That’s why we avoid orange oil—just like the termites we’re eliminating do.