Termite Damage & Prevention

Hey everyone,

I'm renovating a small 550 sq. ft. farm house. There is a small amount of termite damage to 2 floor joists and the right side sill plate on the front of the house. I couldn't find anything here on Permies.com that gives clear alternatives and I'm only on podcast 239, so I'm not sure if it's talked about at some point but I'm being advised to have the Orkin man come out and drill some holes and such.

The dilemma is that I want to grow edibles near the house and the thought of putting some pesticide in the ground does not sound like a good idea at all.

Are there safe alternatives?

Thanks!

Orange oil is an alternative to the "toxic gick" that we shun here on Permies. Read up on it* so you can find a local termite company and talk intelligently with them about it. Many commercial companies offer orange oil for spot treatments, which sounds like all you need. Of course, termite companies make more money when they tent the whole house and apply much, much more toxic chemicals, but if you stand your ground that you want to try an orange oil treatment first, you can have your safe alternative.

*You can start with this link.

Thanks so much, John!