Ortho Home Defense is a particular chemical designed by the brand Ortho to eliminate annoying pests and insects.
The product is both easy-to-use and effective, which makes it a great option to go for. Aside from this, you should note that the effects of the chemicals also stay for a long time, ensuring that these pests will stay away.
People should note that most infestations occur if they don’t deal with insects as soon as possible. Keeping this in mind, taking steps before the problem escalates can be much better.
Doing so can help you in avoiding tons of issues later on.
Now that you understand this, you should note that some topics have been reported with Ortho Home Defense.
One common problem you might have already encountered is Ortho Home Defense spray not working. If you are getting the same issue, this article should help you find some reasons.
We will also be providing you with steps that can be used to deal with the problem.
Why Is Ortho Home Defense Spray Not Working?
- Use the Appropriate Quantity
The Ortho Home Defense spray is a great product that can help protect your home from pests. However, sometimes the spray may work better than you would like.
If you are not using enough, the pests will not be killed. However, the spray will be less effective if you use it less.
If you are not spreading the area where the pests are, then they will not be killed. Make sure to spray the cracks and crevices where the pests are hiding.
You should also ensure that you are not spraying in an area with food or water. This will attract more pests to the site and make the problem worse.
Application Directions
To use OrthoHome Defense Insecticide Spray:
- Determine where insects are coming in and hiding.
- Treat these areas.
- Treat outside your home in a band 6 to 10 feet wide.
- Spray up into the air around porches and patios as well as low around the foundation of your house.
- Wet insects thoroughly.
- Repeat applications as necessary.
Homeowners are often frustrated by persistent insect problems, especially when they have treated the problem areas multiple times. If Ortho Home Defense Insecticide Spray is not working as well as expected, a few things may happen.
Make sure that the product is being used correctly. Be sure to treat all potential problem areas inside and outside the home.
It may also be necessary to increase the frequency of treatments or to switch to a different product. If all else fails, contact a professional pest control company for assistance.
- Product Takes Time To Work
The first thing people should remember is that Ortho Home Defense takes some time to work.
When it comes to this, people should note that the company suggests that it takes the product at least 6 to 10 working days. In most cases, the chemical will only work after it has dried.
This can take up to 24 hours which is why staying patient is essential. Now that you understand this, people should wait until they notice bugs dying.
The chemical will slowly get rid of the insects, and you should be able to get rid of the infestation within a month.
The variety of insects crawling in your home can also play a massive role in how long these take to die. This is why people should also consider this when using the product.
Your Ortho Home Defense is most likely working, but it takes a lot of time to kill the pests that have infiltrated your house.
- Not Using The Product Properly
Another reason the product might not work is that you need to use it properly. You should note that a complete process is required when using this chemical. The Ortho Home Defense usually comes with instructions that can be followed before you use the product.
These can help people understand all the steps required to ensure that the pests are removed. If you have yet to start using the guide, then make sure you go through it once. This should help you confirm how to remove all the insects.
- Product Has Worn Off
Aside from the steps mentioned above, one more factor that plays a considerable role when using the product is the time its effects stay for.
If you are using the standard Ortho Home Defense, this will only last about 3 months per session. This has to be repeated once the period is over.
Now that you understand this, the chemicals will stop working once they wear off. If you notice that the Ortho Home Defense is not working, you might have to respray it.
Doing so and then letting it dry should ensure that the rest of the pests are removed.
- Insects Building Tolerance To The Product
Finally, the last reason for this problem can be that the insects in your home have built a tolerance to this product. If you are trying to use this to kill the pests in your home, keep in mind that these living creatures can be tolerant to the chemicals.
Therefore it is recommended that you use Ortho Home Defense as a repellent instead of a chemical that can kill insects.
Now that you understand this, if you notice that the pests have already built their tolerance, then the only solution that you have is to use another product.
There are also some varieties of bugs that will not die from this product. Make sure all spray parts are securely attached, and there are no leaks.
If the canister is leaking, replace the lid and gasket. If the gasket is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
If the trigger assembly is not working correctly, clean it with soapy water and dry it thoroughly. You may also need to replace the O-ring.
A few parts need to be readjusted among the common issues usually faced with the Ortho Home Defense Spray not working. We’ve compiled a list of commonly missing parts of the spray below.
- Insert Wand Feed Tube Correctly
If the wand feed tube is not inserted correctly, then Ortho Home Defense Spray will not work. If your Ortho Home Defense isn’t working, check to see if the wand feed tube is correctly inserted into the canister.
If it isn’t, remove the wand and re-insert it, so it is properly seated.
- Shake Canister Well
If the canister of Ortho Home Defense Spray is not shaken well, the product will not work as intended. You should always shake the canister for at least 30 seconds before each use to ensure the contents are adequately mixed.
- Check Sprayer for Clogs
If the Ortho Home Defense Spray is not working, there may be a clog in the sprayer. Begin by removing the wand from the canister and check for any blockages. If you find one, clean it with a paperclip or similar object.
- Ensure That the Nozzle Is Unclogged
If your Ortho Home Defense spray bottle’s nozzle is clogged, the product will not come out when you squeeze the trigger. To clean a clogged nozzle, remove it from the bottle and soak it in vinegar for several minutes.
Then, use a needle or toothpick to clear any remaining debris. Once the nozzle is clear, reattach it to the bottle and test it to see if the product now comes out.
- Change The Nozzle Setting
If your Ortho Home Defense spray bottle still needs to be fixed after you have unclogged the nozzle, you may need to change the nozzle setting. The nozzle on this product type can be set to three positions: stream, mist, and off.
If the nozzle is not in the “stream” position, the product will not come out when you squeeze the trigger. To change the nozzle setting, turn it to the left or right until it is in the desired position.
- Replace The Nozzle
If neither of the above solutions fixes the problem, you may need to replace the nozzle. To do this, unscrew the old nozzle from the bottle and screw on a new one. You can purchase replacement nozzles at most hardware stores.
- Hold Wand Lower than the Jug
If you’re having trouble getting the Ortho Home Defense Max to work, one potential solution is to hold the wand lower than the jug.
By keeping the wand lower, you ensure that the chemicals are mixed correctly and that the chemicals are being dispensed evenly.
If you’re not holding the wand lower than the jug, the chemicals may not mix properly, which could lead to clogs or other issues.
Concluding Thoughts
If your Ortho Home Defense Max isn’t working, there are a few potential solutions that we’ve discussed in the article above.
Once you troubleshoot all these issues, the spray will start working again and when it comes to effectiveness, make sure you follow the guidelines and use the set quantity only.
Great article; however, my issue is my hose has a mouse bite near the insertion point into the red spiral insert point. I wonder if this hose can be removed near the spiral insert point to cut the hose at the damage point and reinsert it.