We have found in our experience that annual termite inspections and treatments are the most effective way of dealing with and help preventing active termite infestations within a property, however termite baiting systems help prevent with early detection of termite infestations before they do a lot of damage.
That is what the intention of termite baiting stations. It is all about early termite detection by using baiting stations.
Early detection and prevention of internal infestations over longer periods of time. This is how termite traps and baiting stations are an attractive option for many homeowners, as they act more as a preventative.
How do termite baiting stations work?
Termite baits do exactly what the name implies: it is to attract and kill off termites. More importantly, they’re designed to not only kill termites active within the traps, but also to kill off the actual nest too.
This is what makes termite baiting stations especially effective. Not only are they an affordable long term
solution, but they are incredibly effective at killing off large colonies of termites.
Termite baiting vs Chemical/barrier treatments
As many property owners may or may not know, there is a selection of different methods available for the treatment of termites. Options range from chemical treatments and barriers: physical barriers and of course baiting systems.
At the time of inspection when sitting down with the property owner, we will discuss the pros and cons of each method and inform the customer of which termite protection is the more suitable for the job.
The property type determines which type of treatment is most suited. For instance, because termite baits aren’t physically connected with a building or structure, they’re more commonly used on split level or pole built homes. This is due to the property being raised above the ground, where traditional barriers would be ineffective.
What do Termite bait stations look like?
Termite baits themselves are approximately 30cm long in length, and look like vented cylindrical tubing. Each trap is fitted with a lockable cap for safety which contains small ventilation grills at the top. Termite bait stations are buried down into the ground, with the very top of the trap sitting flush with the soil.
Here is why traps are placed this way.
- They are placed this way as to not to not cause any obstructions within the yard or property
- To blend into the surroundings so that they are not an eye saw.
- Lastly termites travel underground, just like ants seeking food
Break down of how the termite baiting works
Queanbeyan Pest Control Services uses a simple 3 step termite-killing process which makes termite baiting systems so highly effective. That process is as follows:
No. 1: Termites are attracted to the baiting stations.
Let us look at the first part of the process which is to attract any nearby termites to the baiting stations. This is achieved by placing Tasmanian Oak timber into the traps that termites consider an attractive food source.
Timber has cellulose in it, which termites eat and digest this helps produce protozoa and microbes in their guts. Saying that it’s Tasmanian Oak is like a piece of steak perfectly cooked to a termite!
In addition to the timber, our pest control technicians add an attractant called Focus, which has the ability to draw termites in from distances of up to 3 meters away. Enough focus is added to last up to a month, which gives enough time for a large amount of termites to become attracted to the trap. This method allows us to detect any early signs of termite activity around your property and prepare the next step of the process.
No. 2: Now we start to mean business when we add Hexaflumuron to the baiting stations.
Once the traps have attracted a large amount of termites, they are then filled with an insect growth regulator called Hexaflumuron which destroys the termites exo-skeleton. Hexaflumuron takes on a pasty texture, once mixed with water (Hexaflumuron in its raw state is powder-like)
Hexaflumuron contains cellulose, which again termites are attracted to as what they believe to be a viable food source.
What does Hexaflumuron do once digested?
- It weakens and softens the exo skeleton, or “outer shell” of the termite, and
- Softens the termites’mandibles, which results in the termite being unable to chew timber
No. 3: The main colony becomes affected and eventually dies off.
Infection of the main colony or nest happens in two ways.
- Termites that digest the poison, return to the main nest, where their fecal matter is ingested by other termites, rendering the same affect, OR
- Termites carry the poison back to the nest in an effort to feed infant termites, which again renders the same affect.
The final attack to the colony comes when the termites are unable to moult their exo-skeletons to make way for new growth. This of course means that that not only are existing termites eradicated, but also any future generations as they cannot reproduce.
How often do you need Termite bait inspections & servicing?
When it comes to baiting stations, customers typically sign up for 12-month contract. This provides the customer with:
- Installation of the baits/traps
- Monthly inspections
- Ongoing servicing and maintenance
Installation of a typical termite bait system for a standard 3-bedroom home, on a regular sized block can usually be completed within a day by a sole pest control technician. Usually the traps are set beneath the ground every 3 meters apart, strategically placed around the outer edge of the property. As the traps sit flush with the ground surface, they are virtually unnoticeable, which means no ugly boxes or obstructions in the yard.
Each month, customers receive an SMS notification or phone call to remind them that their inspections are due. It’s imperative that each trap is inspected once a month to detect any potential
activity.
Upon inspection, we check the baits and fill in a service form, so that we know exactly the state of every trap on the property. In the second and third years, traps are usually checked every eight weeks. Continual vigilance is vital, as termite colonies are constantly moving through the ground, so it’s common for a home with a termite bait system to have three or four different hits a year, from a number of different termite colonies.
Termite bait systems can last for up to 10 years, making them an ideal investment for those who seek a viable long term, more permanent option.
In other words, termite baiting systems act as a long term “alarm system” for termites. If termites are actively
feeding in the traps, it’s likely they’ve established a nest nearby, which allows us to take swift and immediate action.
Alternatively, if the baits continue to be clear, customers can rest easy knowing that their property will be safe from any potential infestations.
Termite baits are safe as well as chemical treatments.
Termite baiting systems are often the preferred method of termite control for property owners who share concerns about the well-being and safety of their family, children and pets. As mentioned above, each station is locked with a secure cap, and buried beneath the ground.
Although a cheaper method originally the continual monitoring and servicing the units can certainly add up over the course of the life of the termite barriers. That is why you really need to look at the options available and weigh up your own pros and cons with your termite professional to find the best possible solution to keep your property termite-free.
As termites control experts, Queanbeyan Pest Control Services provides the best termite protection for your property. Call us NOW on 0407 065 413.
