Tenting for termites, or Orange Oil treatment?

Question

Hello, I need to resolve a termite problem at my fourplex in Inglewood CA.  I had a report done before purchasing this property and learned about the termites. It was recommended by Tanler Termites that I tent the entire property. I'm in the process of renovating one of the vacant units. On July 22nd, the unit will be gutted, revealing all the wood which would be an ideal opportunity to take care of this termite issue.

So my question is whether to go with tenting or Orange OIl treatment. There is  a company on yelp (Nykor Pest Control Services) which seems to have  alot of success using orange oil. AFter speaking with them on the phone, I'm leaning towards going with them. Just wanted to get some thoughts on this from you guys before I make a decision.

Thanks!

mario

Will Barnard · Answer

Termite companies will not spot treat and provide a warranty and (in CA at least) must list a full tent job when issues extend into inaccessible areas as the #1 recommendation. So your future buyer will likely take issue with a spot treatment (secondary option) when the recommendation was for a tenting. Not sure why the carport is an issue, just tent over that as well.

Will Barnard · Answer

Will this company provide you a termite clearance and guarantee with a spot treatment? I doubt it and if one unit is that bad, don't you think the rest are too? Tent and get rid of it all, get a clearance, and move on.

Mario F. · Answer

@Will Barnard  I think you're right that I should just tent it but since the unit is completely emptied out, I thought that this spray might work.  It's going to take some time to get the carport demo. That's the only way I'll be able to tent this particular unit.  By then, it'll likely be almost finished with remodeling.  So should I just wait it out then?

All of these units are pretty old and damaged. Lots of work ahead

Mario F. · Answer

@Sanju Khatri  So I just had this unit completely gutted. All the dry wall is out and frame is exposed. There is certainly a lot of termite damage.  But at this point, my contractor recommends I get Terminex to spray it all down and that should be sufficient. So that's the plan. We already took care of the sub termites with the little capsules installed under ground.

Problem with tenting is that we would need to remove all the tenants and either way, there is a huge carport in the way which makes tenting this particular unit impossible.  So I'm thinking spraying it down might do the trick.  What do you think?

Sanju K. · Answer

I would not take any chance with termites.  Treatment of drywood termites with orange oil IMHO is not sufficient and expensive.  I had the same question and after doing some research, I decided against orange oil treatment for drywood termites.  Sub-termites need to be treated separately.

Tenting for termites, or Orange Oil treatment?

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