Will Orange Guard kill ants?

Orange Guard is an effective natural insecticide that can be used to kill ants. It contains d-limonene, which is derived from the rinds of citrus fruits like oranges. When sprayed directly on ants, Orange Guard disrupts their exoskeletons and causes dehydration, quickly killing them. However, it may take multiple applications to fully eliminate an ant infestation.

How does Orange Guard work?

Orange Guard contains d-limonene as its active ingredient. D-limonene is a natural solvent found in citrus peels that has insecticidal properties. When sprayed on ants, the d-limonene in Orange Guard penetrates their exoskeletons and causes them to rapidly lose moisture. This leads to dehydration and death.

In addition, d-limonene affects ants’ breathing holes known as spiracles. When the spiracles are clogged with d-limonene, the ants cannot breathe properly and suffocate. The combination of dehydration and suffocation quickly kills ants that come into direct contact with Orange Guard.

Is Orange Guard effective at killing ants?

Yes, Orange Guard is effective at killing ants, especially when sprayed directly onto them. In one study, Orange Guard caused 100% mortality in Argentine ants within 10 minutes of direct spraying. The ants were unable to recover from the rapid dehydration and suffocation caused by the d-limonene.

Other research found that d-limonene-based insecticides like Orange Guard were effective at controlling pharaoh ants in laboratory experiments. The pharaoh ants experienced convulsions and death shortly after being sprayed with d-limonene solutions.

Anecdotal reports from consumers also support the effectiveness of Orange Guard against common ant species like carpenter ants, odorous house ants, pavement ants, and sugar ants when thoroughly sprayed on trails, nests, or areas where ants are seen.

How to use Orange Guard against ants

To properly use Orange Guard as an ant killer, follow these steps:

• Shake the bottle well before each use.
• Spray directly onto ants you see trailing or congregating to kill them quickly.
• Apply Orange Guard around ant nests and trails. Aim for entry points like small cracks or holes.
• Spray under appliances, along baseboards, windowsills, and anywhere else you notice ants.
• For outdoor ant hills, thoroughly drench the mounds with Orange Guard.
• Repeat applications regularly until ant activity is eliminated.

Always follow the product label for proper dilution and usage directions. Orange Guard is considered non-toxic but you should still avoid spraying directly on skin, pets, food surfaces, or plants.

How long does it take for Orange Guard to kill ants?

Orange Guard works rapidly to kill ants it comes into direct contact with. Sprayed ants will die within minutes due to the d-limonene penetrating their bodies and causing dehydration and suffocation.

However, eliminating an entire infestation takes longer because Orange Guard simply kills the ants it touches. It does not continue to kill ants over time. Persistent applications are needed to fully destroy all ants in a nest or colony.

Most users report seeing results within a few days of regular applications. It often takes 1-2 weeks of spraying 2-3 times per day to fully clear an ant problem. But Orange Guard must contact ants to be effective, so thorough applications are essential.

Does Orange Guard just repel ants?

No, Orange Guard does not just repel ants – it kills them. The d-limonene in Orange Guard is insecticidal and causes ants to rapidly dehydrate and suffocate when sprayed on them.

However, ants that do not come into direct contact with the spray may avoid treated areas. Orange Guard has a strong citrus scent that ants find unpleasant and try to avoid. So the product can repel some ants even without killing them.

For best results, Orange Guard should be sprayed directly on ants and their trails/nests. Just repelling ants is not effective pest control since the colony remains alive. Orange Guard is intended to exterminate ants through its insecticidal ingredients.

Will Orange Guard eliminate an ant infestation?

Orange Guard can eliminate ant infestations if used properly and repeatedly over time. Its natural insecticidal ingredients will kill ants that are sprayed or walk over treated surfaces.

However, completely destroying a colony requires reaching the queen ant(s). There is no residual activity with Orange Guard, meaning it only kills ants it contacts directly. So full nest penetration is crucial for eliminating colonies.

With regular applications directly into nests, cracks, trails, etc., Orange Guard can fully destroy ant colonies. But one-time or sporadic use is unlikely to solve heavy ant infestations since the queen and nest can survive.

Should Orange Guard be my only ant control method?

Orange Guard can be used as part of an integrated pest management plan for controlling ants. However, relying solely on Orange Guard is not recommended for severe infestations or ants nesting in inaccessible areas.

Here are some additional tips for controlling ants along with Orange Guard:

• Use ant baits containing slow-acting poisons that worker ants take back to the nest.
• Apply longer-lasting residual sprays like synthetic pyrethroids around perimeters.
• Seal cracks, holes, and other home maintenance to deny ant entry points.
• Keep kitchens and bathrooms clean and dry to avoid attracting ants.
• Sprinkle diatomaceous earth in wall voids, under appliances, etc. to kill ants.

A combination of Orange Guard spraying and these other measures can provide thorough and long-lasting ant control. Relying solely on Orange Guard may not exterminate entire colonies nesting behind walls, under slabs, etc.

Does Orange Guard harm pets?

Orange Guard is considered non-toxic to pets when used as directed. The active ingredient d-limonene is derived from natural citrus oils. However, you should still take precautions when applying Orange Guard in areas accessible to pets:

• Avoid spraying directly on pets
• Keep pets away from freshly treated areas until completely dry
• Do not spray on pet food, dishes, or toys
• Use care when spraying carpets, floors, pet beds, etc.

Any ingestion by pets should be treated by immediately contacting your veterinarian. Orange Guard generally only causes minor irritation if pets walk on treated areas before drying. Overall, natural insecticides like Orange Guard have excellent safety for pets when used carefully.

Does Orange Guard have an unpleasant smell?

Orange Guard does have a strong citrus scent from the d-limonene oil in it. However, most users describe the smell as pleasant and similar to fresh oranges. It is not foul or chemical-like.

The orange scent fades reasonably quickly after application, usually within a few hours. Ventilating treated rooms with fresh air can also help dissipate any strong odors more quickly.

You can also opt for Orange Guard’s fragrance-free version if smell is a concern. The fragrance-free formula provides the same ant-killing power without the added orange scent.

Can Orange Guard be used indoors?

Yes, Orange Guard can be safely applied indoors to control ants. Its plant-based active ingredient and lack of harsh chemicals allow indoor use throughout the home:

• Spray baseboards, windowsills, and other ant trails/entry points
• Treat under and behind appliances and electronics
• Spot spray carpet edges, moldings, door frames, etc.
• Apply around plumbing pipes, kitchens, bathrooms

Avoid excessive spraying on furniture, fabrics, and other soft surfaces. Test an inconspicuous area first. Allow all treated areas to fully dry before use.

Can Orange Guard be used in vegetable gardens?

Yes, Orange Guard is safe to use on edible plants in vegetable gardens. The active ingredient d-limonene is plant-based and derived from orange peels. There is no required wait period between spraying Orange Guard and harvesting vegetables.

However, you should still take care when spraying around any edible plants:

• Avoid direct spray contact with fruits and vegetables
• Only spray surrounding soil, raised beds, and structures
• Wait for Orange Guard residue to fully dry before harvesting
• Rinse produce thoroughly before eating

Spot spraying ant hills or trails around the perimeter of a vegetable garden is an effective strategy. The insecticidal properties of Orange Guard make it suitable for organic gardening use.

Does Orange Guard require any special storage?

Orange Guard does not require any special storage precautions. It can be stored at room temperature in a secured location away from children and pets:

• Keep container tightly sealed when not in use
• Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold
• Store out of direct sunlight to maintain product integrity
• Do not allow to freeze

Orange Guard has a shelf-life of 2-3 years when stored properly in the original sealed container. Over time, the orange scent may diminish but product efficacy is not impacted. Shake well before each use.

Is Orange Guard environmentally friendly?

Yes, Orange Guard is an eco-friendly product suitable for organic gardening and natural pest control:

• Active ingredient d-limonene is plant-based and biodegrades quickly
• No harsh chemicals, petroleum solvents, or VOCs
• Non-toxic to people, pets, and plants when used as directed
• Minimal impact on beneficial insects like bees
• Recyclable packaging

Always opt for natural pest control solutions like Orange Guard when possible to limit environmental impacts. The active ingredient is exempt from EPA registration requirements due to its safety profile.

Conclusion

Orange Guard is an effective natural insecticide that can safely kill ants both indoors and outdoors. Its active ingredient d-limonene disrupts ants’ exoskeletons causing rapid dehydration and death. Regular applications directly onto ants and their nests/trails can eliminate infestations over time.

While very safe for people, pets, and the environment, Orange Guard only kills ants it contacts directly. Using it as part of an integrated pest management plan provides thorough ant control. Be sure to follow all label directions when spraying Orange Guard and keep it stored properly when not in use.