Fire Ant and Termite Control: Orange Oil, Epsom Salt, and Cedar Mulch Timing

DFW Area Timing

• Channel 5 news announces fire ant season
• Not yet announced = not too early
• College Station reports: termites swarming NOW
• Source: ntxe-news.com article on termite swarms

Orange Oil/Epsom Salt Mix

• Chop 2 medium-large orange peels + 2 lemon peels finely
• Mix with ½ gallon Epsom salts (~$3 at Walmart)
• Seal in glass container overnight, stir well
• Scatter over yard
• Alternative: just scatter finely chopped peels
• Lemon peels also deter cats from flower beds/mailboxes

Cedar Bark Mulch for Termites

• Light scatter over entire yard
• 3-4 inch wide x 1-2 inch deep trail around foundation
• Lasts 3-4 months into summer
• Also repels fleas, ticks
• Essential if honeysuckle present (attracts termites)

Regional Timing Adjustment

Further south = earlier swarms. Monitor local conditions. Cedar mulch is proactive; orange oil is reactive.