Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Oil Termite Treatment

Orange Oil Termite Treatment FAQs

What does XT-2000 Orange Oil® smell like?

Oranges, plain and simple.

How long do I smell it?

Typically 4 to 5 days.

Where do you get XT-2000 Orange Oil®?

We distill orange rinds to extract the oil. D-limonene is the chemical name for orange oil. It is a renewable resource and is a by-product of orange juice manufacturing.

How do termites enter my home?

Drywood termites infest dry, undecayed wood, , including redwood, dead limbs of native trees, shade and orchard trees, utility poles, posts, as well as structural lumber, and lumber in storage. To establish new colonies, winged reproductives will swarm to exposed wood on the exterior of nearby buildings and other structures.

What is a drywood termite swarm?

Termites go through a simple metamorphosis with egg, nymph, and adult stages. Within four to five years of the establishment of a colony, up to 87% of the adults grow wings and become male and female reproductives. These winged termites will exit the colony in a swarm. This usually occurs seasonally on sunny days during late summer and fall months.

Can termites be found in a newly completed building?

The majority of the requests for inspection are in homes ten years or older. A new home with swarmers would suggest that the wood used in construction was infested or became infested during construction. A colony will swarm within four to five years of being established; if a swarm occurs sooner than five years in a new building, we know that the colony was established in the structural timbers prior to completion of the structure.

How do you know which wall termites come from?

Termites are blind, but they can sense light and head towards it. The location of swarmers would provide evidence of their point of origin. Termites glide toward the light, but they are wretched fliers.

How do you find everything and how do you know you will kill all the termites?

Structural Integrated Pest Management (SIPM), like all treatments, requires a quality inspection. A quality inspection is the key to an efficient and effective treatment of XT-2000 Orange Oil®. Drywood termites cannot hide from a quality inspection. Termites may be living in inaccessible areas, such as wall voids. An inspector with a basic knowledge of the entomology of the species will be able to determine these possible areas of infestation, a “KIA.” “K”- Kalotermitidae (Latin for drywood termites) also known as Kalotermes (slang) “IA”- Inaccessible Areas. Further inspection of a “KIA” area, using methods such as a borascope during the treatment phase will allow access and identification of any additional infestations; with the right tools, no termite can stay hidden.

How can you look inside walls without opening them up?

Using a borascope, we verify the presence of drywood termites by locating their waste. We determine which areas need to be scoped due to other infestations located during the inspection. Termites have to create kickouts, a small hole through which they kick out their waste. Kickouts will occur up to 30 inches apart in an area that is infested.

Is XT-2000 Orange Oil® a primary treatment?

A Primary Treatment is when your whole structure is under warranty. There are only three Primary Treatments for drywood termites, Fumigation, Heat, and XT-2000 Orange Oil®. These are the only methods to have been proven in laboratory tests to get a 100% kill.

Is there a difference in companies that offer “no tent” treatment?

Any other “no tent”treatment, such as a local treatment, would be considered a Secondary Recommendation and Substandard. A Secondary Treatment only guarantees the treated areas, not the whole structure.

How does XT-2000 Orange Oil® work compared to fumigation?

We use a precise, comprehensive drill and treat method. The capillary action of XT-2000 Orange Oil® works in many ways like fumigation, but without the same risks! XT-2000 Orange Oil® moves through wood like a gas, along the path of least resistance, filling up the treated piece of wood until the termites have no place to hide. Unlike fumigation, XT-2000 Orange Oil® treatments are specifically targeted to the area of infestation, so you do not need to move out of your home during the treatment.

Once the termites are located, how does XT-2000 Orange Oil® kill termites?

With the drill and treat method, a technician will apply enough XT-2000 Orange Oil® to saturate the infested wood member. Once saturated, the orange oil will wick through the wood, getting to all of those hard to reach areas. In addition, once XT-2000 Orange Oil® is exposed to termites, its lights out!

How can drill and treat methods be effective if you do not apply XT-2000 Orange Oil® to every piece of wood in my house?

If there is no evidence of infestation, then the piece of wood is free and clear of termites. There is no need to treat every board, only the infested ones.

Once located, won’t any other pesticide kill all the termites?

XT-2000 Orange Oil® kills termites on not only contact, but also the fumes act as a neurotoxin to the termites, creating a pleasant orange fragrance that humans smell without any effect.

Do heat treatments work?

Yes, but the time and labor cost is reflected in your bill for the treatment. It takes six to eight hours to heat a piece of wood internally to 125° Fahrenheit. In addition, the pretreatment preparation required of the homeowner is extensive and, if not completed properly, heat can be extremely damaging to property, such as plastics, electronics, and many other items.

How can spot treatments be effective if you do not apply evenly to every board?

If there is no evidence of infestation, then a board is free and clear of termites. We do not need to treat every board, merely the infested ones.

Is XT-2000 Orange Oil® flammable?

The government rates XT-2000 Orange Oil® as combustible. A combustible product has a higher flash point than products labeled as flammable; the higher the flash point, less flammable; XT-2000 Orange Oil® is not as much of a fire hazard as a flammable product.

What if the termites return?

At no additional expense under the guarantee, the customer can request a service call. Under the “Whole House Annual Control Agreement,” every year we will perform a quality inspection and treat any new infestation as needed.

Will your treatment provide a clearance for me if I decide to sell my home?

Yes.

What Our Customers Say About Xtermite

David and Lehvi came out to my house on -- on a service call. They were polite and professional and did an outstanding job. They went above and beyond my satisfaction. I am a really satisfied customer. I give them a 10+.

- Susie K. (Xtermite Customer)

I wished to take a minute to acknowledge and say "thank you" to Xtermite for the recent work done at one of our properties. All of your staff is quite pleasant and very well informed about your products and services. We deal with a number of vendors for our various properties, but we honestly must state the Xtermite staff is #1! I would also like you to please express our gratitude to Neecole B. He is such a nice guy and went out of his way to make an inspection happen to accommodate our tight schedule. I am certain you have many customers who feel the same way as we do, but have not put their feelings down on paper. Anna, please share our letter with your staff, as they earned the compliment.

- John & Barbara (Xtermite Clients)

Hi! I wanted to let you know what a great job David did at our house today. He was friendly, explained everything and made the process really easy for me. I am sure we will be satisfied with the results and would recommend Xtermite to family & friends. Thank you!

- Felicia T. (Xtermite Client)

We wish to express our appreciation for the work of one of your inspectors, Neecole B. He did a terrific job for us - not only the termite inspection and treatment, but also his help making sure the repairs were done correctly. He is always polite, courteous and conscientious on the job. He's also very prompt and shows up right on time. We asked Neecole if it would be okay if we wrote a letter of appreciation because we feel very strongly that he deserves extra recognition for his excellent work. We will not hesitate to recommend Xtermite to our friends and neighbors.

- Herb & Bonnie (Xtermite Customers)

ALL REVIEWS

FAQ: Termite Facts

What Are Termites?

Termites are social insects known for causing significant damage to wooden structures. While there are over 2,000 species worldwide, they are most common in tropical climates and throughout North and South America. Their social behavior is highly organized, similar to that of ants and bees.

The Termite Caste System

A single colony can range from 100 to over 1 million termites. Every member belongs to one of three primary castes:

• The Reproductive (King and Queen): Their sole purpose is to produce eggs. In certain species, a queen can lay up to 30,000 eggs a day.
• The Workers: The most numerous members of the colony. These small, wingless insects build the nests, tend to eggs, and feed the rest of the community.
• The Soldiers: These termites are the protectors of the colony, specifically designed to defend against intruders.

Why Are They Destructive?

Termites are detritivores that feed on dead plants and wood. Their powerful mouths can tear large pieces of food, allowing them to eat through house foundations, support beams, furniture, books, and even insulation.

Subterranean vs. Drywood Termites

• Subterranean Termites: These pests live in the soil. They build elaborate mud tunnels to travel from their underground nests to food sources in your home.
• Drywood Termites: Unlike their subterranean cousins, Drywood termites live directly inside the wood they consume, often infesting walls and furniture.

What is a “Swarm”?

When a colony matures, winged termites appear around windows and doors to find a mate and start a new colony. They are highly attracted to light and are most active during the springtime. If you see discarded wings, it is a sign that a new infestation may be starting.

How to Protect Your Home

Small steps in moisture and food management can make your home a much less attractive target for termites.

1. Eliminate Moisture Problems

Termites thrive in damp environments. To deter them:

• Repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and A/C units.
• Divert water away from your foundation.
• Keep gutters and downspouts clean and functional.
• Remove excessive plant cover and wood mulch near the house.
• Ensure no standing water remains on the roof.
• Keep all crawl space vents clear and open.
• Seal entry points around utility lines and pipes.

2. Remove Food Sources

• Store firewood, lumber, and paper away from the foundation.
• Remove tree stumps and debris near the house.
• Install screens on all outside vents.
• Regularly check decks and wooden fences for damage.
• Ensure there is no direct contact between the soil and the wood of your home.

Termite Warning Signs

Early detection can save you thousands in repair costs. Watch for these common red flags:

• Swarmers: A temporary swarm of winged insects inside or around the home.
• Discarded Wings: Found near windowsills, doors, or light fixtures.
• Mud Tubes: Pencil-sized tubes on exterior walls, beams, or crawl spaces.
• Damaged Paint: Any cracked or bubbling paint.
• Frass: Tiny wood-colored mounds of termite droppings.
• Hollow Wood: Wood that produces a hollow thud when tapped.

Contact us today to speak with a representative about our services. We Just Keep It Simple.