Orange oil Magic or Marketing

Orange oil for Drywood Termites, Marketing or Magic.
By Bill Mashek

http://northwesttermite.com/images/OrangeOil.jpg
Used by permission Florida Chemical Company inc.

D-limonene oil also known as orange oil is not orange juice. It is a material (terpene) extracted from the citrus rind. The citrus is juiced and the oil is pressed and separated. Then distilled into a solvent with essence of orange. D-limonene is a low toxic (5,000mg/kg) yet volatile hydrocarbon. It is not nontoxic. It is also a marine pollutant. Primarily, d-limonene oil has been used as an industrial solvent and paint additive. The most recent uses of D-limonene are as a pesticide. Many companies are making egregious and undocumented claims of "non-toxic control of termites", "whole structure treatment" and "the fumes penetrate the wood". None of these claims can be backed by scientific evidence. In fact, there is no empirical scientific data currently available on the efficacy of orange oil as a treatment for drywood termites.

How is orange oil used to treat dry wood termites?

Dry Wood TermitesFirst of all, d-limonene, is aromatic, with some absorbing qualities. There is no scientific evidence indicating that it "penetrates the wood to kill termites as some advertisements claim. "Of course anything other than direct contact would result in no mortality of I. minor. At best it is a very, very local fumigant (a few centimeters) when high vapor concentrations are present in closed galleries."( Dr. Rudolf H. Scheffrahn University of Florida).

Unpublished research has determined that injecting d-limonene oil into termite galleries can kill dry wood termites. The problem with this method is, drill and injection is a random, localized treatment and not whole structure. The limitations would include the many "inaccessible areas" common in most structures and detection.

Detection
Detecting live termite infestations is critical for efficacy of spot treatment with d-limonene or any other product. One cannot inject a liquid into solid wood; the liquid would have to be injected into a termite gallery. If there happens to be termites it that gallery, orange oil as a contact poison would offer reasonable control (UC Davis IPM 2006). Undetected termites will not be treated. The elusive drywood termite cannot be detected in wood by the naked eye. There are devices on the market for detecting termites. They include: Acoustic Emission Devices (Termite Tracker), odor detectors and fiber optics. "These devices are expensive, lack adequate field studies and are rarely used" (Lewis, Vernard 2002 Drywood Termite Pest Notes). However, Dow Chemical has published studies on Acoustic emission devices: They worked with PCOs in actual field situations. Thoms, 2000. Fla Entomol. 83:64-74. They used acoustic detectors to evaluate the treatment of drywood termites with spinosad. They found better than 90% mortality at 89% of the sites. No tests were done with d-limonene. Because of design and intent of an infested structure, termite galleries can extend into wood framing behind sheetrock or tiled walls. This condition would create inaccessible areas for treatment and detection. Subsequently, one would have to gain access to infested areas by removing wall covering or other expensive renovation. In addition, orange oil offers no residual qualities (<24hours). Termites will not feed on wood treated with any type of oil (Rust, UC Irvine) these conditions could allow termites to move to other areas of the structure.


Is orange oil magic?

Orange oil can kill termites. It is considered a low toxic product and efficacious when used under optimum conditions. It is definitely, not magic and not the best product on the market. "There are no residual qualities, has odor that lingers that many people do not habituate to, flammable, and, as an organic solvent, will damage many painted and finished surfaces. (dr. schefferhan)
Unlike heat treatments, the electro gun, and low toxic, non repellent liquid residuals that went through rigorous independent university studies (,Vernard R. Lewis, Michael I Haverty) there is no empirical data or published reports on the efficacy of Orange oil. Dr. Michael Rust of UC Irvine and Dr. Rudolf Scheffrahn of University of Florida have done some independent testing. The below is their response to customer Molly M. of Sebastopol


From Dr. Michael Rust of UC Riverside:

I don't know of any published studies regarding d-limonene against drywood
termites. We have done some laboratory testing, but it is not complete. The
d-limonene will kill termites on contact, but has very little residual
effect (< 24 hours). Termites will not feed on wood treated with oils
including olive oil, canola oil, ect. We don't know how far the effect extends.

The problems with localized chemical treatments are the detection and
treatment of individual colonies. If colonies are not detected or
inaccessible, they will not be killed by injecting chemicals. In widespread
infestations, the fumigant (Vikane or sulfuryl fluoride) or the heat
treatment is probably a better option.

Without the scientific studies, it comes down the buyer beware.
Unfortunately, the companies that registered the d-limonene were not
required to produce field efficacy data to get it approved.

Mike Rust


"Limonene is a contact poison to termites. The issue is that if the colony
or colonies are not accessible to treatment with limonene, there will be no
success. On the other hand, the fumigant will kill termites in all parts of
the structures. What are your objections to fumigation? Maybe those can be
addressed to determine your best option."

Rudolf H. Scheffrahn
Professor of Entomology
University of Florida

Orange alone is not Green


The Pest control industry should be proud of recent innovations and less toxic treatment methods. There is no need to misrepresent products, use unreasonable scare tactics and resort to questionable and even illegal claims. Being "green" is much more complex than a "one size fits all" approach in dealing with termites. Every situation is different and control would have to be accomplished in a "prescribed" manner. Integrated pest management (considered a green approach to pest control) is an inclusive process focusing on not only the pest problem but also the issues regarding "the reason" for the problem. Hence, coming up with permanent or long-term reduction in the target pest population. These solutions may involve habitat modification, structural modification, physical control, cultural control and judicious use of pesticides. Treatment also involves understanding the biology of the pest and a working relationship with a proactive homeowner.

There is strong public interest in reducing the presence of pesticides in our environment. People are demanding less exposure to all types of toxicants, not just pesticides. By providing accurate information, and excellent customer service, pest management professionals will best represent our industry.

UC Davis IPM program
Pest Control Operators of California
Evaluation of Six Techniques for Control of the Western Drywood Termite (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae) in Structures Vernard R. Lewis and Michael I. Haverty Alternative Control Strategies for Termites Vernard R. Lewis
Rudolf H. Scheffrahn, Professor of Entomology University of Florida, non-published studies on orange oil
Michael Rust, UC Irvine
Florida Chemical Co Inc.

Bill Mashek
BS, Biology, Teaching Credential Dominican University, Advanced Urban Integrated Pest Management graduate, Perdue University
Principal, Northwest Termite and Pest Control Inc. Specializing in least toxic termite and pest control.
www.Northwesttermite.com

Ecuador and Galapagos Diving

Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are an isolated archipelago of roughly 125 volcanic uplift islands. They straddle the equator and are located approximately 600 (1000km) miles of the coast of Ecuador. Rodale’s Scuba Diving Magazine rated the Galapagos the #1 diving destination in the world. The extreme currents and cold water contribute to the diversity in the marine environment. In addition, make diving a challenging experience.

From Undercurrent: Galapagos Islands Update: On August 23, Ecuador’s President, Rafael Correa has supported liveaboards’ proposal to continue dive trips until December 31 and all Galapagos National Park dive trips through 2007 will operate. The GNP will issue new diving permits for 2008, but local fishermen will be given priority, which may mean fewer Galapagos dive trips. . . .No changes were made to Correa’s lifting of the ban of taking shark fins “caught accidentally.” hundreds of sharks are now being slaughtered daily.

I started my trip in Guayaquil. My plan was to spend a few days on the central coast of Ecuador prior to our departure on the Galapagos Aggressor II. My first stop was Montanita, a popular destination on the international surfing circuit. Due to pacific storms the conditions were far from “epic”. My accommodations at Charos Hostal were comfortable and clean. Charos is located right on the beach and I highly recommend this place (www.charoshostal.com). The next day I caught a bus to Puerto Lopez—the gateway to Machililla National Park and port for boats going to “Isla la Plata.” Puerto Lopez is a small fishing village centered in a picturesque crescent shaped bay. During June to September hundreds of Humpbacks pass this area on their annual migration. Isla la Plata is approximately 15 km off the coast and part of the National Park. It is home for many indigenous birds including: albatross, blue footed boobies, frigates and others. Isla la Plata is also renown for large mantas and excellent diving. They call the island: “the poor mans Galapagos”. I was luck enough to get on a combination dive and whale watch trip. (all day trip $95.00 including equipment--$35.00 whale watch only)

Isla la Plata: Dived with Exploramar divers (www.exploradiving.com) Dive one. Maximum Depth 110 ft. (35 meters) my rented equipment didn’t include a computer but the instructor had one. We followed his profile dive and spent most of our time at 60 ft. Visibility was over 10 meters, close to 40’. The fish life was prolific and included cornet fish, stone scorpion fish, 3 turtles and two manta over 3 meters. The second dive was 25 meters. On this dive we hit very strong currents and similar underwater sea life including more trumpet and cornet fish, 4 large mantas 4 turtles, several large morays.

After a full day of diving and whale watching I took the bus to Ayampe and stayed at La Tortuga Eco Lodge. They offer inexpensive cabañas on the beach. (latortuga.com.ec). It was a full days bus ride back to Guayaquil.

Galapagos Islands

The next morning, I met up with the Galapagos II representative

and the other divers. Aero-gal few us to Baltra, where we were met by the Aggressor crew and shuttled to our boat. The first dive was that afternoon, a non-impressive “check out” dive. Dive Two (day 2) was Mosquera point. Visibility over 15 meters maximum depts. 70ft. Very little current, sea life included: 2 green turtles, 2 white tipped sharks one Marble Ray, a Mola Mola (sunfish). The topography was a rocky ledge.

Dive 3, same spot maximum depth was 56 ft. Same Marble Ray and fish but this time we played with a bull sea lion (not normally recommended)

Dive 4 and 7. Land Slide (I call this dive the amphitheater), Wolf Island, visibility over 80 ft (25 m). Fantastic dive. Strong currents. 4-6ft swells with consistent surge. We dropped to rocks and held on tight to watch the show. Hundreds of hammerheads, black tip, white tip, silky and Galapagos sharks. Large schools of eagle rays “floating” in the currents. Huge morays were abundant through out the rocky structure. Saw 5 green turtles.

Dive 5-6 Stark bay, visibility 60-80 ft. moderate currents. Saw several dolphins, more sharks.

Dive 8,9.10 Darwin Arch. 85 ft, visibility over 80 ft. moderate currents. Again, more hammerheads, Galapagos blacktip. Pod of dolphins. Eagle rays, Creoles. Several curious sharks came with in a meter of my camera. Prolific fish population. The week before six whale sharks was seen at this site.

Dive 11Wolf Island Land slide. Again sharks rays prolific fish. My dive partner was low on nitrox and wanted to go back towards the pangas. We hit the blue water current and were separated. Huge swells, strong surge and no boat or “buddy” in site. I was drifting farther away. My dive alert was useless. The wind made it difficult to keep my dive flag vertical (if needed all divers had gps tracking devices). I felt a “bump” on my fins. When I looked under the surface there were six silky sharks circling my feet. I temporarily fended them off with my dive flag; it was still a little scary until I saw Walter and the panga about 40 yards away coming to pick me up. I was very happy to get in that boat.

Dive 12-13 Cousins Rock; Visibility 70 ft. An old eroded crater made a nice rocky cliff dive. The many cracks and crevices were full of suprises. Including 2 seahorses and a frogfish. We saw two young sea lions chasing a shark.

Dive 14-15. Gordon Rocks. Visibility 50 ft +. Interesting dive site between two rocks. This area can get a strong surge”, especially if there is any swell. Many rays, octopus, and several sea lions were observed at this site.

We had several land excursions on 3 different islands. New rules prohibit land excursions on some of the islands, as they are open to tour boats only. We did see the marine iguanas, land iguanas, boobies, frigate birds, albatross, and many sea lions. Since there are no predators, the wild life on the Galapagos have

no fear of people.

On our last day we toured Santa Cruz Island and Puerto Ayora. We visited the national park headquarters and the Darwin Center but the highlight was a private ranch about 10 km out of town. The new owner had relocated the domestic goats and cattle (grazing animals compete with tortoise habitat) and opened his land to the national park. The ranch is now a refuge for hundreds of giant tortoises.

Galapagos Aggressor is a first class operation and one of two operators who have permits for land and dive excursions. (www.aggressor.com)

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