Comments on: If Less Than 1/2 Percent Of A Home Is Infested With Drywood Termites, Then Why Do We Poison 100% Of The Home With Fumigation? http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html Commentary on the real estate market of the San Francisco Bay Area Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:45:15 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Bill http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-150937 Bill Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:40:22 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-150937 FMM on Aug 19th posted a link to show that Orange Oil is flammable. Well, put a flamethrower next to a bundle of dried out popsicle sticks and they WILL go up in flames. FMM on Aug 19th posted a link to show that Orange Oil is flammable.

Well, put a flamethrower next to a bundle of dried out popsicle sticks and they WILL go up in flames.

]]> By: Armen http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-150911 Armen Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:04:35 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-150911 yes, for more research, follow these links http://www.primetermite.com/termites.html http://www.primetermite.com/Termite%20Control.html yes, for more research, follow these links

http://www.primetermite.com/termites.html

http://www.primetermite.com/Termite%20Control.html

]]> By: Armen http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-150910 Armen Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:02:12 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-150910 unless company worked uninterrupted with experienced crew at least 2-3 days in an average home with low to medium drywood termite infestation level, and at least 4-6 days with high drywood termite infestation and damage level, then any limited treatments such as Orange Oil, Boracare or Timbor professional foaming, localized heat, or combination of any of those are merely localized treatments. Localized treatments make no sense for a simple reason that we do not have a proper termite detection equipment reaching inaccessible and unreachable areas. If we would, then there would be no need for fumigation or complete heat. We would go, scan the whole house, make photos like in X-Ray, then inject Orange Oil or any other termiticide such as Termidor to local spots, then we would make a X-Ray photo such as before and after and would ask people to pay or a result. As to fumigations, it is cheap - 4-6 hour job for average house, it is very effective if done properly , but it is a highly toxic gas. The level of Sulfar florade now which is officially acceptable doesn't make much sense to me. Asbestos was legal one time like painting on walls which included lead. This very well may be in case with Vikane or Zythor. Anyway, I think some pressure from Nisus by introducing Boracare which I use mostly and has huge advantages, XT-2000 to fumigations makes us - termite professional to think using more and more methods for getting rid drywood termites or at least controlling them to the level to minimize their structural damage by not using fumigation. I think fumigation should be last resort, however combining various treatments such as local heat, boracare foaming etc should be a priority. And yes, extermination of drywood termites is a form of controlling them. One can kill all drywood termites in house built last 10 years in coastal areas, and after 5-7 years that house will be in almost the same state. However, if one does good quality Boracare foaming, then even though not all drywood termites are killed, but it prevents important wood members and doesn't let new ones to infest the house. So, by killing less termites you may be able to do a better control. unless company worked uninterrupted with experienced crew at least 2-3 days in an average home with low to medium drywood termite infestation level, and at least 4-6 days with high drywood termite infestation and damage level, then any limited treatments such as Orange Oil, Boracare or Timbor professional foaming, localized heat, or combination of any of those are merely localized treatments. Localized treatments make no sense for a simple reason that we do not have a proper termite detection equipment reaching inaccessible and unreachable areas. If we would, then there would be no need for fumigation or complete heat. We would go, scan the whole house, make photos like in X-Ray, then inject Orange Oil or any other termiticide such as Termidor to local spots, then we would make a X-Ray photo such as before and after and would ask people to pay or a result.
As to fumigations, it is cheap – 4-6 hour job for average house, it is very effective if done properly , but it is a highly toxic gas. The level of Sulfar florade now which is officially acceptable doesn’t make much sense to me. Asbestos was legal one time like painting on walls which included lead. This very well may be in case with Vikane or Zythor.
Anyway, I think some pressure from Nisus by introducing Boracare which I use mostly and has huge advantages, XT-2000 to fumigations makes us – termite professional to think using more and more methods for getting rid drywood termites or at least controlling them to the level to minimize their structural damage by not using fumigation.
I think fumigation should be last resort, however combining various treatments such as local heat, boracare foaming etc should be a priority. And yes, extermination of drywood termites is a form of controlling them. One can kill all drywood termites in house built last 10 years in coastal areas, and after 5-7 years that house will be in almost the same state. However, if one does good quality Boracare foaming, then even though not all drywood termites are killed, but it prevents important wood members and doesn’t let new ones to infest the house. So, by killing less termites you may be able to do a better control.

]]> By: FMM INC http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-150661 FMM INC Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:40:58 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-150661 Rather than fight over whos right or wrong about fumigation, I want to ask another question: Would you saturate your home in Kerosene? It's a little known fact that orange oil actually ignites at 122 degrees farenheit. Don't believe me? Take a look at this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E34ySeo1zqA Rather than fight over whos right or wrong about fumigation, I want to ask another question:

Would you saturate your home in Kerosene? It’s a little known fact that orange oil actually ignites at 122 degrees farenheit. Don’t believe me? Take a look at this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E34ySeo1zqA

]]> By: Kem http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-143277 Kem Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:29:33 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-143277 Ask The Bugman-Richard Fagerlund I said I wasn't going to write about this for a while unless something major developed and, of course, something did. I am familiar with that study and I want everyone in California to be familiar with it as well. It is a "Technical Release" by Dow Agrosciences titled "Laboratory Evaluation of Efficacy of Orange Oil (XT-2000) for Control of Drywood Termites in Naturally-Infested Boards." You can go to my Web site to view the study at askthebugman.com/images/Newsletter/2009.pdf. Let's take a look at this study. Recently, Dow Chemical Co., the manufacturer of sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane), announced a new program on Sustainable Products and Solutions at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley in partnership with the Haas School and the College of Chemistry. UC Berkeley got a $2 million gift from Dow to research sustainable chemicals. Additional corporate funding is expected and it is directed by a Dow executive, Tony Kingsbury, who has moved from Midland, Mich., and now has an office at Haas. He will serve as executive director of the program. The authors of the study claim they tested XT-2000 orange oil, which resulted in only a 77 percent termite kill. But there are questions about where they got the orange oil, and how they used it. The company that distributes the oil says it did not receive an order or request for an order. Furthermore, a certified XT-2000 Orange Oil affiliate did not apply the treatment. Clearly, the operator in the study photo on the Web site was not trained by XT-2000, Inc. In fact, the fellow in the photo works for Clark's Pest Control, a company that actively promotes fumigation and has a vested interest in putting the orange oil companies out of business. A big problem with the study's claim of a 77 percent kill rate has to do with how the operator applied the oil. The study claims that 100 percent of it was absorbed into the wood, which, if true, makes the 77 percent figure look bad. But if you look at the photographs, you can see that the wood being injected with orange oil is not only lying on one side, but is full of fissures. Since orange oil follows the path of least resistance, much of it would naturally be lost in the cracks, not totally absorbed. This would allow some of the termites to survive. This is akin to draping a structure in a ripped tent, then pumping in 10 lbs. of Vikane. How could you evaluate the kill rate with a hole in the tent? Keep in mind that the study was conducted and managed by pesticide industry people who would like to see orange oil eliminated as the competition. Sulfuryl fluoride is a known greenhouse gas, as reported in a previous column. It is a dangerous chemical that should not be used in the environment. Remember, DDT, chlordane and aldrin were among the many chemicals the pesticide industry swore by but were later found to be extremely dangerous. Sulfuryl fluoride is in that category. And we all know that oranges aren't dangerous and won't hurt the homeowners that use it or the environment. Richard Fagerlund is a pest management specialist who promotes nontoxic methods of pest control. For information or to contact him, see www.askthebugman.com. Ask The Bugman-Richard Fagerlund

I said I wasn’t going to write about this for a while unless something major developed and, of course, something did. I am familiar with that study and I want everyone in California to be familiar with it as well.

It is a “Technical Release” by Dow Agrosciences titled “Laboratory Evaluation of Efficacy of Orange Oil (XT-2000) for Control of Drywood Termites in Naturally-Infested Boards.” You can go to my Web site to view the study at askthebugman.com/images/Newsletter/2009.pdf.

Let’s take a look at this study. Recently, Dow Chemical Co., the manufacturer of sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane), announced a new program on Sustainable Products and Solutions at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley in partnership with the Haas School and the College of Chemistry. UC Berkeley got a $2 million gift from Dow to research sustainable chemicals. Additional corporate funding is expected and it is directed by a Dow executive, Tony Kingsbury, who has moved from Midland, Mich., and now has an office at Haas. He will serve as executive director of the program.

The authors of the study claim they tested XT-2000 orange oil, which resulted in only a 77 percent termite kill. But there are questions about where they got the orange oil, and how they used it. The company that distributes the oil says it did not receive an order or request for an order. Furthermore, a certified XT-2000 Orange Oil affiliate did not apply the treatment.

Clearly, the operator in the study photo on the Web site was not trained by XT-2000, Inc. In fact, the fellow in the photo works for Clark’s Pest Control, a company that actively promotes fumigation and has a vested interest in putting the orange oil companies out of business.

A big problem with the study’s claim of a 77 percent kill rate has to do with how the operator applied the oil. The study claims that 100 percent of it was absorbed into the wood, which, if true, makes the 77 percent figure look bad.

But if you look at the photographs, you can see that the wood being injected with orange oil is not only lying on one side, but is full of fissures. Since orange oil follows the path of least resistance, much of it would naturally be lost in the cracks, not totally absorbed. This would allow some of the termites to survive.

This is akin to draping a structure in a ripped tent, then pumping in 10 lbs. of Vikane. How could you evaluate the kill rate with a hole in the tent?

Keep in mind that the study was conducted and managed by pesticide industry people who would like to see orange oil eliminated as the competition.

Sulfuryl fluoride is a known greenhouse gas, as reported in a previous column. It is a dangerous chemical that should not be used in the environment. Remember, DDT, chlordane and aldrin were among the many chemicals the pesticide industry swore by but were later found to be extremely dangerous. Sulfuryl fluoride is in that category.

And we all know that oranges aren’t dangerous and won’t hurt the homeowners that use it or the environment.

Richard Fagerlund is a pest management specialist who promotes nontoxic methods of pest control. For information or to contact him, see http://www.askthebugman.com.

]]> By: Kem http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-143276 Kem Thu, 05 Mar 2009 22:13:06 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-143276 Sunday, January 25, 2009 Sulfuryl fluoride, a termite insecticide to fumigate homes (tenting), is 4,000 times more potent greenhouse gas than CO2, with long life in the atmosphere (PhysOrg.com) -- An insecticide used to fumigate termite-infested buildings is a strong greenhouse gas that lives in the atmosphere nearly 10 times longer than previously thought, UC Irvine research has found. Sulfuryl fluoride, UCI chemists discovered, stays in the atmosphere at least 30-40 years and perhaps as long as 100 years. Prior studies estimated its atmospheric lifetime at as low as five years, grossly underestimating the global warming potential. The fact that sulfuryl fluoride exists for decades -- coupled with evidence that levels have nearly doubled in the last six years -- concerns study authors Mads Sulbaek Andersen, Donald Blake and Nobel Laureate F. Sherwood Rowland, who discovered that chlorofluorocarbons in aerosol cans and other products damage the ozone layer. That finding led to a worldwide ban on CFCs. "Sulfuryl fluoride has a long enough lifetime in the atmosphere that we cannot just close our eyes," said Sulbaek Andersen, a postdoctoral researcher in the Rowland-Blake laboratory and lead author of the study. "The level in the atmosphere is rising fast, and it doesn't seem to disappear very quickly." This study will appear online Jan. 21 in the journal Environmental Science and Technology. Kilogram for kilogram, sulfuryl fluoride is about 4,000 times more efficient than carbon dioxide at trapping heat, though much less of it exists in the atmosphere. Its climate impact in California each year equals that of carbon dioxide emitted from about 1 million vehicles. About 60% of the world's sulfuryl fluoride use occurs in California. Sulfuryl fluoride blocks a wavelength of heat that otherwise could easily escape the Earth, the scientists said. Carbon dioxide blocks a different wavelength, trapping heat near the surface. "The only place where the planet is able to emit heat that escapes the atmosphere is in the region that sulfuryl fluoride blocks," said Blake, chemistry professor. "If we put something with this blocking effect in that area, then we're in trouble -- and we are putting something in there." The chemists worry that emissions will increase as new uses are found for sulfuryl fluoride -- especially given the ban of methyl bromide, an ozone-depleting pesticide regulated under the Montreal Protocol. Sulfuryl fluoride emissions are not regulated, though officials do consider it a toxic contaminant. The insecticide is pumped into a tent that covers a termite-infested structure. When the tent is removed, the compound escapes into the atmosphere. Sulbaek Andersen, Blake and Rowland believe a suitable replacement should be found, one with less global warming potential. To measure sulfuryl fluoride's atmospheric lifetime, the chemists put it inside a Pyrex chamber with compounds that are well understood in the atmosphere, such as ethane. They shined lamps on the chamber to simulate sunlight, which caused chemical reactions that eliminated the compounds from the air. By monitoring sulfuryl fluoride changes compared with changes to the well-known compounds, they were able to estimate its atmospheric lifetime. "This is a cautionary paper," said Rowland, Donald Bren Research Professor of Chemistry and Earth System Science. "It tells us that we need to be thinking globally -- and acting locally." Source: University of California - Irvine Link to article: http://www.physorg.com/news151764839.html Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sulfuryl fluoride, a termite insecticide to fumigate homes (tenting), is 4,000 times more potent greenhouse gas than CO2, with long life in the atmosphere

(PhysOrg.com) — An insecticide used to fumigate termite-infested buildings is a strong greenhouse gas that lives in the atmosphere nearly 10 times longer than previously thought, UC Irvine research has found.

Sulfuryl fluoride, UCI chemists discovered, stays in the atmosphere at least 30-40 years and perhaps as long as 100 years. Prior studies estimated its atmospheric lifetime at as low as five years, grossly underestimating the global warming potential.

The fact that sulfuryl fluoride exists for decades — coupled with evidence that levels have nearly doubled in the last six years — concerns study authors Mads Sulbaek Andersen, Donald Blake and Nobel Laureate F. Sherwood Rowland, who discovered that chlorofluorocarbons in aerosol cans and other products damage the ozone layer. That finding led to a worldwide ban on CFCs.

“Sulfuryl fluoride has a long enough lifetime in the atmosphere that we cannot just close our eyes,” said Sulbaek Andersen, a postdoctoral researcher in the Rowland-Blake laboratory and lead author of the study. “The level in the atmosphere is rising fast, and it doesn’t seem to disappear very quickly.”

This study will appear online Jan. 21 in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.

Kilogram for kilogram, sulfuryl fluoride is about 4,000 times more efficient than carbon dioxide at trapping heat, though much less of it exists in the atmosphere.

Its climate impact in California each year equals that of carbon dioxide emitted from about 1 million vehicles. About 60% of the world’s sulfuryl fluoride use occurs in California.

Sulfuryl fluoride blocks a wavelength of heat that otherwise could easily escape the Earth, the scientists said. Carbon dioxide blocks a different wavelength, trapping heat near the surface.

“The only place where the planet is able to emit heat that escapes the atmosphere is in the region that sulfuryl fluoride blocks,” said Blake, chemistry professor. “If we put something with this blocking effect in that area, then we’re in trouble — and we are putting something in there.”

The chemists worry that emissions will increase as new uses are found for sulfuryl fluoride — especially given the ban of methyl bromide, an ozone-depleting pesticide regulated under the Montreal Protocol. Sulfuryl fluoride emissions are not regulated, though officials do consider it a toxic contaminant.

The insecticide is pumped into a tent that covers a termite-infested structure. When the tent is removed, the compound escapes into the atmosphere. Sulbaek Andersen, Blake and Rowland believe a suitable replacement should be found, one with less global warming potential.

To measure sulfuryl fluoride’s atmospheric lifetime, the chemists put it inside a Pyrex chamber with compounds that are well understood in the atmosphere, such as ethane. They shined lamps on the chamber to simulate sunlight, which caused chemical reactions that eliminated the compounds from the air.

By monitoring sulfuryl fluoride changes compared with changes to the well-known compounds, they were able to estimate its atmospheric lifetime.

“This is a cautionary paper,” said Rowland, Donald Bren Research Professor of Chemistry and Earth System Science. “It tells us that we need to be thinking globally — and acting locally.”

Source: University of California – Irvine

Link to article: http://www.physorg.com/news151764839.html

]]> By: Phil http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-143243 Phil Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:48:56 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-143243 I just read Wes's statement about using Orange Oil for the treatment of drywood termites. It make a lot of sence about exposing the infestation in order to know where to treat. I have seen the TV ad's where they just drill through the wall and shot the oil in the holes. What if they are in a different area. Shouldn't it be required that the wall be opened up so they know where the termite really are? After reading this complete article I am thinking fumigation controls the termites in the complete house and not a limited or unknown area only. I just read Wes’s statement about using Orange Oil for the treatment of drywood termites. It make a lot of sence about exposing the infestation in order to know where to treat. I have seen the TV ad’s where they just drill through the wall and shot the oil in the holes. What if they are in a different area. Shouldn’t it be required that the wall be opened up so they know where the termite really are? After reading this complete article I am thinking fumigation controls the termites in the complete house and not a limited or unknown area only.

]]> By: Wes http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-143013 Wes Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:51:45 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-143013 8000 + inspections later as a "Termite Inspector" and hundreds of treatments...why use Orange Oil or for that matter anything for local treatment of Drywood Termites. There is absolutely no way to find every location of drywood termites within a structure without demolishing the structure itself in the search. You would have to cut all the wood, drywall, insulation, foam ect into 6" chunks to find every infestation including cutting up your books, furniture, cupboards, picture frames, magazines, gunstocks, golf clubs, shoes and money collections...you name it...i've seen it infested with termites. The April 30, 2008 poster is seriously misinformed or misguided and if not please provide a single serious 3rd party study on d-limonene for drywood termite control.....there are none. The best study to date is d-limonene vs Formosan Termites, with the longevity of d-limonene in wall voids was 3 weeks! Why are termites still around..because by weight they are said to be greater than the human population....and tougher than me and everyone I know...pest control isn't here to kill all the termites or ants or cockroaches....thats why it is called "Pest Control". What right would anyone have to eliminate a pest. If being "eco-minded" is your or your clients goal in spot treatments then just use a borate such as Timbor. It is a natural mineral, lasts forever.....almost, no VOC's is actually a micro-nutrient that mammals use..including humans. It is a key ingredient of common soaps and hundreds of other consumer products. Borates have been throughly tested. Your are exposed to borates on a daily basis if you wash your clothes, wash your dishes, wash your face, wash your toilet ect..ect..ect..... Does d-limonene kill bugs? sure does. Would I use it again, surely not..it's a Volatile Organic Compound with a flash point of only 115 F...the nice citrus smell after the treatment? Thats the product evaporating into thin air...yeah...the stuff you just paid for..... 8000 + inspections later as a “Termite Inspector” and hundreds of treatments…why use Orange Oil or for that matter anything for local treatment of Drywood Termites. There is absolutely no way to find every location of drywood termites within a structure without demolishing the structure itself in the search. You would have to cut all the wood, drywall, insulation, foam ect into 6″ chunks to find every infestation including cutting up your books, furniture, cupboards, picture frames, magazines, gunstocks, golf clubs, shoes and money collections…you name it…i’ve seen it infested with termites.

The April 30, 2008 poster is seriously misinformed or misguided and if not please provide a single serious 3rd party study on d-limonene for drywood termite control…..there are none. The best study to date is d-limonene vs Formosan Termites, with the longevity of d-limonene in wall voids was 3 weeks! Why are termites still around..because by weight they are said to be greater than the human population….and tougher than me and everyone I know…pest control isn’t here to kill all the termites or ants or cockroaches….thats why it is called “Pest Control”. What right would anyone have to eliminate a pest.

If being “eco-minded” is your or your clients goal in spot treatments then just use a borate such as Timbor. It is a natural mineral, lasts forever…..almost, no VOC’s is actually a micro-nutrient that mammals use..including humans. It is a key ingredient of common soaps and hundreds of other consumer products. Borates have been throughly tested. Your are exposed to borates on a daily basis if you wash your clothes, wash your dishes, wash your face, wash your toilet ect..ect..ect…..

Does d-limonene kill bugs? sure does. Would I use it again, surely not..it’s a Volatile Organic Compound with a flash point of only 115 F…the nice citrus smell after the treatment? Thats the product evaporating into thin air…yeah…the stuff you just paid for…..

]]> By: responsible homeowner http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-142826 responsible homeowner Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:14:42 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-142826 the bug expert in sf chronicle likes orange oil. the usual treatments are very toxic to all. please do your own research instead of just nuke-ing your house, neighborhood. & please! inform your neighbors well ahead of time before tenting, so that we could possibly persuade you not to--long-term health issues for all! --many other smarter, cost effective, less toxic methods available now--ask the bug experts the bug expert in sf chronicle likes orange oil. the usual treatments are very toxic to all. please do your own research instead of just nuke-ing your house, neighborhood. & please! inform your neighbors well ahead of time before tenting, so that we could possibly persuade you not to–long-term health issues for all! –many other smarter, cost effective, less toxic methods available now–ask the bug experts

]]> By: responsible homeowner http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-142825 responsible homeowner Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:47:05 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-142825 the bug expert in sf chronicle likes orange oil the bug expert in sf chronicle likes orange oil

]]> By: Mike http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-142790 Mike Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:01:50 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-142790 Great info. I learned a lot of new things here... <a href="http://drywood-termites.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Drywood Termites</a> <a href="http://drywood-termites.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">http://drywood-termites.blogspot.com</a> Great info. I learned a lot of new things here…

Drywood Termites
http://drywood-termites.blogspot.com

]]> By: Termite Man http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-142669 Termite Man Wed, 28 May 2008 21:05:53 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-142669 As a licensed termite inspector in California for the last nine years, and having used "orange oil "myself for the first five I can honestly say that you might as well fumigate your house from the start. Nobody, I mean nobody can find all the colonies in a house. I'ts a waste of money. You will end up having to fume your house anyways after spending the money on a worthless procedure As a licensed termite inspector in California for the last nine years, and having used “orange oil “myself for the first five I can honestly say that you might as well fumigate your house from the start. Nobody, I mean nobody can find all the colonies in a house. I’ts a waste of money. You will end up having to fume your house anyways after spending the money on a worthless procedure

]]> By: Michael Folkins http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-142585 Michael Folkins Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:12:31 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-142585 Termites have been in existence for 250 million years. We have managed to dump millions/billions? of tons of toxic chemicals into the problem, yet termites have survived. If tenting was the "cure all" it is being depicted as being, then why haven't termites been eliminated? We have managed to pollute our air, water, land, created pesticide related illnesses and deceases...yet the termites have remained. Termites infest from the exterior of a structure, if termites are built into a structure a termite professional will know within four years, due to recolonization. Licensed inspectors are trained in Entomology, Biology, Identification, etc., if an inspector does not perform a proper inspection then areas of infestation will go undetected. A single family home will take anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours to perform a comprehensive inspection. All colonies should be located by the professional, by applying Orange Oil to the area's of infestation only, the colony will be eliminated within hours. XT-2000 Orange has undergone all of the required testing from the EPA, CDPR, independent Scientific Laboratory and Field Studies conducted by world renowned Entomologists, each study and review found XT-2000 Orange Oil to be efficacious against drywood termites, carpenter ants, and wood boring beetles, several government agencies throughout the US are currently studying additional uses for this amazing compound. A comment was made that the residual with orange oil only lasts four days, with fumigation there is no residual (or is there? classified as a toxic air contaminant by the California Department of Pesticide Regulations and a chemical of concern by the Department of Homeland Security). When this fumigant was first introduced, 10 parts per million (ppm) was the acceptable re-entry level, then it was reduced to 5 ppm, in January 2008 it was reduced to 1 ppm for re-entry. From 10 ppm to 1 ppm is a wide variance, the reason for the reduction is due to retesting and re-evaluation by an independent Scientific Review Panel which found gross data gaps relating to the chemical used in fumigation. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the future of all pest control using least toxic low impact chemicals. The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Pesticide Regulations, Department of Consumer Affairs along with the Governor are all demanding IPM from pest control operators, consumers, schools, etc. These forums are in direct conflict with these mandates and is a great disservice to the consumer, and your real estate clientele who require a green method of termite treatment. The only reason XT-2000 Orange Oil is so controversial is due to being the only real competition created against the fumigation industry in over 50 years. It is much like the industrial age meeting the technology age, one is dying while the other is thriving. Let history teach us that if we don't keep up with technology we will be left behind and doomed for failure. Termites have been in existence for 250 million years. We have managed to dump millions/billions? of tons of toxic chemicals into the problem, yet termites have survived. If tenting was the “cure all” it is being depicted as being, then why haven’t termites been eliminated? We have managed to pollute our air, water, land, created pesticide related illnesses and deceases…yet the termites have remained.

Termites infest from the exterior of a structure, if termites are built into a structure a termite professional will know within four years, due to recolonization. Licensed inspectors are trained in Entomology, Biology, Identification, etc., if an inspector does not perform a proper inspection then areas of infestation will go undetected. A single family home will take anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours to perform a comprehensive inspection. All colonies should be located by the professional, by applying Orange Oil to the area’s of infestation only, the colony will be eliminated within hours. XT-2000 Orange has undergone all of the required testing from the EPA, CDPR, independent Scientific Laboratory and Field Studies conducted by world renowned Entomologists, each study and review found XT-2000 Orange Oil to be efficacious against drywood termites, carpenter ants, and wood boring beetles, several government agencies throughout the US are currently studying additional uses for this amazing compound.

A comment was made that the residual with orange oil only lasts four days, with fumigation there is no residual (or is there? classified as a toxic air contaminant by the California Department of Pesticide Regulations and a chemical of concern by the Department of Homeland Security).

When this fumigant was first introduced, 10 parts per million (ppm) was the acceptable re-entry level, then it was reduced to 5 ppm, in January 2008 it was reduced to 1 ppm for re-entry. From 10 ppm to 1 ppm is a wide variance, the reason for the reduction is due to retesting and re-evaluation by an independent Scientific Review Panel which found gross data gaps relating to the chemical used in fumigation.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the future of all pest control using least toxic low impact chemicals. The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Pesticide Regulations, Department of Consumer Affairs along with the Governor are all demanding IPM from pest control operators, consumers, schools, etc. These forums are in direct conflict with these mandates and is a great disservice to the consumer, and your real estate clientele who require a green method of termite treatment.

The only reason XT-2000 Orange Oil is so controversial is due to being the only real competition created against the fumigation industry in over 50 years. It is much like the industrial age meeting the technology age, one is dying while the other is thriving. Let history teach us that if we don’t keep up with technology we will be left behind and doomed for failure.

]]> By: Greg http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-142262 Greg Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:28:40 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-142262 Just as Marian has stated, Termites are elusive creatures. Termites may have multiple branches of their colony and treating with Orange oil would be a waste of time and money. Unless the inspector and technician knew exactly where the colony is located. So that the colony can be treated directly. So don't waste your money on methods that do not work. Use tried and true methods, oh yea get a company that knows what they are doing and stands behind their work. Just as Marian has stated, Termites are elusive creatures. Termites may have multiple branches of their colony and treating with Orange oil would be a waste of time and money. Unless the inspector and technician knew exactly where the colony is located. So that the colony can be treated directly. So don’t waste your money on methods that do not work. Use tried and true methods, oh yea get a company that knows what they are doing and stands behind their work.

]]> By: Marian Bennett http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-142135 Marian Bennett Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:51:47 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-142135 The words "best" and "state of the art" are certainly fightin' words for marketers... The emotions associated with "safety", "non-toxic", "eco-friendly", and others are very powerful motivators also. Unfortunately motivation alone won't kill the hidden galleys full of termites. Seems like orange oil has its place in some situations, the homeowner just needs to get a professional opinion from someone who uses a variety of products - not just one. The words “best” and “state of the art” are certainly fightin’ words for marketers… The emotions associated with “safety”, “non-toxic”, “eco-friendly”, and others are very powerful motivators also. Unfortunately motivation alone won’t kill the hidden galleys full of termites. Seems like orange oil has its place in some situations, the homeowner just needs to get a professional opinion from someone who uses a variety of products – not just one.

]]> By: Kevin Boer, Broker Owner, 3 Oceans Real Estate, Inc. (650.387.2860) http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-142128 Kevin Boer, Broker Owner, 3 Oceans Real Estate, Inc. (650.387.2860) Tue, 12 Feb 2008 04:59:02 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-142128 Feeling a bit bloodthirsty, are we? :) Feeling a bit bloodthirsty, are we? :)

]]> By: Dave Blockhus http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html/comment-page-1#comment-142127 Dave Blockhus Tue, 12 Feb 2008 04:22:33 +0000 http://3oceansrealestate.com/blog/is-orange-oil-effective-in-killing-termites.html#comment-142127 Kevin, We have all had homes that had previously been spot treated with Orange oil, freezing or any other remedy that was deamed the "best" and "state of the art" termite solution. A few months later we find termite droppings in a different area of the home. For my money's worth, tent the whole house and kill all those little suckers. Die! Die! Die! Sorry, got a little carried away, but you get my point. Kevin,

We have all had homes that had previously been spot treated with Orange oil, freezing or any other remedy that was deamed the “best” and “state of the art” termite solution. A few months later we find termite droppings in a different area of the home. For my money’s worth, tent the whole house and kill all those little suckers. Die! Die! Die! Sorry, got a little carried away, but you get my point.

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