Termites are a common pest and one that certainly poses a serious threat to your home and property. Because their colonies are typically large in numbers, it is often challenging to get rid of them. Traditionally, barrier treatments were the most effective approach to destroying colonies. Since this method employed a significantly heavy use of termiticides, there became a demand for other treatment options. Termite baiting has quickly become a popular and effective alternative to the traditional barrier approach.

Understanding Termites

In order to fully understand what termite baiting is, basic knowledge and understanding of termites is vital. Termites live underground and in colonies, sometimes as large as hundreds of thousands or even millions.  They develop tunnels leading from their colony to their intended food source, which typically is trees, woodpiles, or homes and buildings. Once reached, they tunnel back through soil, leaving a colony-specific scent on the trail. This allows for easier navigation with each journey to a food source, leaving your home and property extremely vulnerable to significant termite damage.

Termite Baiting Solutions

Termite baiting consists of two distinct parts. One is the actual baiting material, typically cellulose (which is a component of wood) but paper and cardboard can also be used. These food sources are ultimately what will attract a termite to the station, and engage them long enough for the second factor to begin. In addition to the food source is a slow-acting bait that they digest the bait is specifically for termites it is combined with the food source, effectively undetected by the termite, and travels with them back to their colony. Once back at the colony, the bait food source is shared with other members, effectively slowly transferring to the entire colony.

One of the most important components of bait stations is the concept behind a slow-acting bait. If there is not a delay in death of the termites, there is a risk of dead termites piling up around bait stations, thus rendering them ineffective or other termites will know there is an issue and stop feeding on the stations bait matrix. Because of this slow-action, it is typical that you will see your best results sometimes weeks or months after installation.

Termite Baiting Placement

There are two solutions available when it comes to termite baiting stations. One option is to place the bait stations directly into the soil around the perimeter of your home. Another option is to place the bait stations directly on known areas of active mud tubes inside with an above ground bait station. This method generally produces great results when it comes to killing off entire colonies.

Contact Millette Pest Control today to learn more about the baiting system we use called Sentricon and how it can help prevent infestations before they happen.

Posted in Termite Control