Using orange oil to treat termites involves injecting the liquid into the wood.
This method is also known as the drill and fill method.
Here’s how:
1. Find Active Termite Galleries
Unfortunately, there are no standard devices that make it easy to detect termites.
The most common way to inspect for drywood termites is to look for visual signs.
To do this, you can use a metal probe or screwdriver to probe wood for termite galleries.
If the wood crumbles or falls apart as you probe it, there are likely termite galleries behind it.
You can also go around your house and look for the following evidence:
- Drywood droppings (pellets)
Kickout holes - Uneven or Bubbling Paint
- Tunnel markings on the wall
- Flying termites in your home.
2. Drill The Wood
Once you find possible termite galleries, drill holes into the infested wood.
You can tell once you hit a gallery, you will feel less resistance.
Create holes for every 8-12 inches on wood.
3. Inject The Essential Oil
Inject the essential oil solution using a pressurized sprayer.
Spray the essential oil solution into the wood holding for 2-5 seconds.
The solution will seep through the wood and kill any termites located inside.
4. Apply Coating Outside
You can also apply the outside wood to repel termites.
I recommend only applying a coating to the outside of your home rather than the inside.
Indoor painted wood will not absorb the orange oil.
On the other hand, orange oil on the exterior of your house will repel any termites from approaching.