Termite Baits

Termite Bait & Monitoring Systems

Termite baits have been used to help control subterranean termite infestations for decades. Termite bait systems (also known as termite baiting systems) can be used as a home’s sole prevention and control method, or in conjunction with liquid soil treatments to control known termite colonies. Your pest control expert can recommend the prevention and treatment approach that will be most effective for your home.

How Do Termite Bait Stations Work?

When installed and monitored properly, bait stations can control subterranean termite colonies.

Subterranean termites can build large nests and can live up to 18 inches below ground. They may even live under your house. Since colonies can build nests far below your home’s foundation, it can be extremely difficult to pinpoint the exact location of all the sprawling galleries in a nest to provide direct treatment. Rather than providing a perimeter soil treatment around your home’s foundation to cover areas where termites are active (and some areas where they are not), bait stations provide more targeted treatment.

Termite Bait System Benefits

• Early detection stations can be used without chemicals to test for the presence of termites.

• Bait systems use a limited amount of insecticide in very targeted locations, which makes them a relatively eco-friendly method of termite treatment. In fact, termite baits may be used in situations where liquid termiticides are prohibited, such as near water sources that could become contaminated.

• It is much easier to install termite baits around a house than it is to apply liquid soil treatment around a house.

A trained termite expert can explain whether bait and monitoring systems, liquid treatment, direct wood treatment, or a combination of these methods will provide the most control and protection for your home.

Depending on the level of activity at the stations, your pest control expert may recommend adding to or moving the bait stations, or replacing the current bait with a different material.

Above Ground Termite Bait

The most common subterranean termite bait systems are underground bait systems. However, above ground termite baiting systems can be effective when installed by termite experts in areas with known subterranean termite activity.

Above ground bait systems are placed directly in the path of termites – in the middle of active mud tubes or in wood, drywall or other materials directly above active galleries. If the exact location of the subterranean termite colony is difficult to detect, your expert may use moisture meters or other inspection tools to locate the source.

As with all termite control solutions, there is no one right answer. Above ground baits work in some situations better than others, and they may be used in conjunction with other methods for termite control. A trained pest management professional can explain which termite treatment method or methods are likely to be most effective for your home.

Schedule an appointment to get a free termite inspection from a trained professional Orkin Pro.