Those of us who want to use the least toxic product to effect good solid pest control want to know what "safe" products are available, whether they are effective, how clients tend to receive them, and so on. This article is an introduction to a couple natural oils out there. I invite whatever feedback you can provide--on these or other, similar products.
Citrus oil has been around for a while. Here are a couple uses it is put to...
FLEAS - I've use it as d-limonene (or linalool), an extract of citrus peels, as a flea spray where it is quite acceptable to homeowners, rated pretty safe, and kills adult all stages of fleas it contacts. The emphasis must be on "contact" as it has no meaningful residual. When applying for fleas we'd usually add an insect growth regulator to abate those fleas not contacted by the citrus oil. One thing I noticed it what, although low in toxicity, it could irritate my throat from breathing it...flea treatments are a large area and it vaporizes rapidly...so, although the label didn't require it at the time, I wore a respirator.
TERMITES - But there are reportedly other uses for citrus oils such as termite control, however, once again, it is used to kill termite that it contacts directly in the wood, so it is usually used for dry-wood termites. From what I've been able to determine since the d-limonene can soak into and spread both across and along the grain it might be helpful for some wood boring beetles too.
CITRUS OIL INQUIRY - What I'd like feedback on from our members is what experience do you have using a citrus oil product? What pests is it affective on? Have you had any other effects, such as staining? And how well is it received by clients?
MINT OIL - There are reportedly various products and uses for mist oils as well. Of course, they can be over promoted to the public who so want to avoid what they perceive as toxic synthetic chemicals, but how well are they tested for efficacy? And, are there any unanticipated handling hazards?
I've hears mint oil mentioned for bed bugs, but here I am at a loss as to experience. If anyone has found use for mint oils in their pest management practice, or even tried it and learned something... and you're willing to share it, please do.
One last word...since spiders aren't readily affected by traditional residual insecticides but, rather, most likely have to have contact with the application to effect control, would citrus oil or mint oil work well for them?
