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Overview of Termite Baiting    What Are Termite Baits?    Understanding Termite Behaivor    Installation of Termite Baits    Termite Baits of the Market( ®Sentricon®,Exterra®, Hex Pro® , Firstline®,Advance ®)   Advantages/Disavantages of Termite Baits


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      Do It Yourself Termite Baiting | Termite Control Information  Termite Bait Productsa | All Termite Control Products

    Until recently, the only methods available for subterranean termite control were the traditional barrier treatments using large amounts of chemicals. There are alternative termite control strategies, baiting systems are the most promising as to replace barrier treatments.

    Termite baits are a whole different concept. With this approach, small amounts of material known as the toxicant knocks out populations of termites foraging in and around the structure.

    Some homes may have only baits as a "stand alone treatment", others may be integrated with liquid or barrier treatments. Using a baiting system with barrier treatments will allow a reduction of amounts of pesticide use.

    No termite control method can guarantee you will never get termites. Termite control may include a combination of one or more of these methods, a baiting system, termiticide treatment, moisture control, foaming, removal of earth wood contact and etc.

    Termite baiting is a simple process and can be used as a preventive measure to detect termites where they are not yet a problem.


    OVERVIEW OF THE TERMITE BAITING PROCESS

    Termite baiting concept made simple:

    • FIRST:
      Establish a solid feeding cycle between the bait stations and the termite colony by "prebaiting", Placing monitoring stations that include a wood monitor or inspection cartridges in the soil. You establish this by allowing the foraging termites eat the wood, "sourcing out" the feeding source.
    • If you were to put our the "active" or "toxicant" at this point you would kill off the very workers that you need to establish the cycle. Once the termites start eating on that wood or the inspection cartridge, introduce the toxicant or active.

    • THIRD:
      Termites eat this particular bait, feeding it to the entire colony....and in THEORY the colony dies and the complete colony is eliminated.

      Currently, there is no way to substantiate claims of "complete"colony elimination.

      Laboratory tests do suggest that colony elimination is possible..but in reality they may have multiple food sources, the poisoned bait not being the only food source.

    • Population reduction and not population elimination is more likely the true story. In laboratory tests...termites are confined to a test site given only the bait as the choice of food. This is not a reality with multiple food sources,buried tree stumps, etc.


      However with proper monitoring and bait placement the termites will consume it,resulting in a population reduction! Because of the smaller population level you would find less stress from the termite colony, resulting in less feeding and less damage.
      It can be a valuable tool. Termite baits are an added measure of security and are best used in conjunction with the traditional soil treatments if you have a current infestation .

      In infested structures, it is best to treat the area where termites are found with the barrier / traditional soil treatment. You would be cutting off the termites' current food sources (your structure), forcing them to find other sources for food ( the bait for example). However, you don't place the bait and the liquid termiticide in the same place.




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      WHAT ARE TERMITE BAITS?


    • Termite baits consist of paper, cardboard, or other acceptable termite food, combined with a slow-acting substance lethal to termites. The bait must be good enough to compete with the presence of competing tree roots, stumps, woodpiles and structural wood. If the bait kills too quickly, sick or dead termites may accumulate in the vicinity of the bait stations, increasing the chance of avoidance by other termites in the area. Delayed-action or slow acting bait also enhances transmission of the lethal agent to other termites, including those that never fed on the bait.


    • Some bait stations are installed below ground out in the yard and others are positioned within the structure in the vicinity of active termite mud tubes or feeding sites. Below-ground stations typically contain untreated wood until termite activity is detected inside the stations. Then the wood is replaced with active ingredient treated material-the bait itself. on.


    • Termite baits may also be installed above ground in known areas of termite activity. Typically, the stations are installed directly in the path of active termite tunnels after the mud tubes have been broken.




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      UNDERSTANDING TERMITE BEHAVIOR IN BAITING

    • A key characteristic of termites in dealing with termite baiting systems is the fact that termites cannot be attracted. As of yet there is not a bait on the market that actually "attracts" termites. Yes, you will find roach, ant,and even rodent bait that is designed to attract the target pest to the bait...but not for termites. However, because termites randomly forage in the ground around their colony in search for food, they will eventually forage at almost every point in the earth around their colony. The first thing done in the installation is putting out stations in the ground that contain wood that serve as monitoring tools. Once termites start eating the wood in the monitoring stations , you replace the wood with the bait. Termite baits use small amounts of insecticide to knock out populations of termites foraging around the structure. The toxicant-laced bait should be installed after termites have been detected in an untreated monitoring device(wood).

      For this reason, monitoring and inspecting your bait stations or having them monitored is critical. It is possible for a homeowner to install and maintain an in-ground bait system. However you should understand that you will need to commit yourself to monthly monitoring throughout the first year and at least every 3 months after that. In research conducted in the southern states it sometimes took 1-5 months for termites to find the bait stations. In the northern states, the bait stations may not be found for a year or more. Bait stations may be more likely to be found in the spring when foraging may be most active.

      After the bait has been placed, You continue to inspect the bait stations monthly. After no more evidence of feeding is seen, it is assumed that the colony has been eliminated and the bait is once again replaced with the wood monitors. Monthly inspections will continue to be sure that termites don't return. This system then serves as a long-term monitoring program and the bait can easily be added to the bait stations at the first signs of termite feeding.

    • It is also important to note that termites will leave an area if they are disturbed. Because they have no natural defenses against disturbances, they simply leave the area they have been feeding. So, it is important to minimize disturbance of termites feeding in the stations.

    • Termites frequently exchange food and body secretions as part of their normal activity. This food/secretion exchange is called trophallaxis. Trophallaxis also transfers microbes in the gut that aid in breaking down cellulose to new members of the colony. The termite queen secretes specific chemicals that are used to communicate and "direct" the activities of all members of her colony. The chemical secretions eventually pass through all members of a colony. The reason why baits are even possible for termite control is because exchange of food/secretions allows slow-acting baits to be transferred throughout the entire colony. Eventually the whole colony will be reduced to such a low level that it can't survive and termite activity will stop.




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      INSTALLATION OF TERMITE BAITS: How it works

      Bait products can be installed below ground in the yard or above ground level on the inside of the strucure. Some homes may have only baits as a "stand alone treatment", others may be integrated with liquid or barrier treatments.

      Installation below ground:

      Baits stations are put below ground by enticing termites to feed on wooden stakes, cardboard, or some other cellulose-based material. The toxicant-laced bait can either be installed initially, or substituted after termite activity has been found in an untreated monitoring device(the prefered way).

      Termites are not lured to the baits or bait monitors; they encounter them by "chance" during their random foraging activities. To increase the odds of discovery, the stations are installed at fixed intervals around the perimeter of the structure, and/or in suspected areas of termite activity (e.g., around woodpiles, stumps, moist areas, and adjacent to previous termite damage). With persistence and patience you will find the termites eventually foraging and feeding upon one or more of the bait installations.

      Perhaps the greatest difficulty in termite baiting is getting termites to find the bait monitors or baits in the first place. This discovery is called a "hit"(attacked by termites). This will vary from property to property, depending on such factors as termite foraging intensity, time of year, moisture, and food availability. It can be within 2 weeks or could take a year. In temperate climates bait discovery usually will be greatest during peak foraging periods in the spring and summer. Baiting during late-fall and winter is generally less fruitful, although termites are occasionally found in below ground stations when air temperatures are in the 30øF range.

      The more below ground baits installed, the better the chances of locating termites. Installing more stations increases the odds of encountering multiple colonies, or weakly associated "satellite nests" of the same colony -- any of which could be of potential risk to the structure. Planning, patience and persistence are requisites for successfully using below-ground termite baits. Regardless of which product is used, the homeowner must be prepared and willing to accept the possibility of a lengthy baiting process.

      Above-ground installation:

      Termite baits may also be installed above ground, in known areas of termite activity. Typically, the stations are installed directly in the path of active termite tunnels after the mud tubes have been broken. Effects tend to be more rapid with above-ground baiting, since the procedure does not depend upon "chance" termite encounters with the stations.

      Manufacturers recommend that above ground stations be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as in- ground baiting or traditional barrier treatments.




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      TERMITE BAIT PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET:


      FIRSTLINE® BAITING SYSTEM HEX PRO  ADVANCE BAIT STATIONS

    • We carry a couple different termite bait systems.

    • Difference between the Advance, Hex Pro Termite Bait System and Firstline Termite Bait Systems

    • Advance Termite Bait uses a chiten inhibitor, diflubenzuron. Chiten Inhibitors are slower acting, no chance of killing the adult foraging termites. It only kills the immature termites.
    • HexPro's Shatter termite bait uses another chitin inhibitor called Hexaflumuronn same as Recruit's Sentricon System) will also fit in Sentricon's System.
    • Shatter's loose pelleted bait matrix provides for easy termite tunneling.
    • Diflubenzuron (Advance) and Hexaflumuron (Shatter) is slower acting than Sulfluramid(Firstline and Terminate) , allowing time for distribution of termite bait through the entire colony. This results in complete colony elimination.
      Stomach poisons such as Sulfluramid(Firstline and Terminate) kill quickly often resulting in incomplete elimination of the termite colony.
    • The Firstline system is a stomach poison and is not labeled for pre treats and the Hex Pro is similar to the Sentricon system which is an IGR , and is labeled for pretreats(except for the state of Florida).
    • For more info go to:  HOW TO DO YOUR OWN TERMITE BAITING

    • Mode of action:
      Uses a stomach poison, sulfluramid-based bait, with use of monitoring stations.


    • This termite bait product is more commonly used in combination with other forms of treatment, rather than as a "stand alone" treatment. .
    • Firstline is a baiting system that uses two types of stations. Aboveground stations are applied directly to accessible active infestations. Inground stations are placed in areas of known or suspected termite activity.
    • The active ingredient in Firstline is sulfluramid, a slow-acting stomach poison, incorporated into a cellulosic matrix.
    • FMC claims that Firstline results in colony suppression, not colony elimination.
    • Firstline is not considered suitable as a replacement for conventional termiticides in "pre-treats".

      EXTERRA® BAITING SYSTEM

      For more information:

      Exterra® Termite Interception and Baiting System (Ensystex):

    • Mode of action:
      Uses a chitin inhibitor, IGR (Insect Growth Regulator) , with use of monitoring stations.

    • Exterra uses in ground monitoring-baiting system. As with Sentricon, Exterra is often used as a stand-alone treatment. The active ingredient in both products disrupts the molting process in immature termites. The Exterra in-ground plastic stations are brown and box-shaped (Sentricon's are green and cylindrical).
    • The active ingredient in Exterra is an insect growth regulator (IGR), diflubenzuron . It is a chitin synthesis inhibitor. It kills termites by inhibiting formation of a new exoskeleton when they shed their existing exoskeleton to form a new one. Diflubenzuron was the original chitin synthesis inhibitor and is by far the most widely used chitin synthesis inhibitor around the world. The chemical structure of all other chitin synthesis inhibitors are derived from the same basic structure that diflubenzuron was derived from. The mode of action of diflubenzuron is identical to that of hexaflumuron, the active ingredient in the DowAgrosciences product Recruit II** which is also a chitin synthesis inhibitor.
    • Diflubenzuron and hexaflumuron share the same basic chemical structure.
    • Adult termites, including reproductives and soldiers, are not affected directly by this type of chemical. When termites are discovered feeding on the wood "interceptors" or monitors in the station, diflubenzuron-treated cellulosic bait matrix is inserted into the station's central cavity.
    • Based on Ensystex's research data, they presume that termite colony elimination may occur if sufficient workers are killed and the soldiers and reproductives are not fed (and subsequently starve to death).
    • With Exterra® , the stations can be monitored or refilled with bait without disturbing termites in the station. Disturbing the activity of the termites may cause them to leave the area and the bait.
    • Exterra has been labeled for "pre-treats" (buildings under construction) in place of a conventional liquid treatment.




      SENTRICON® SYSTEM

      For more information:

      Sentricon® Colony Elimination System

    • Mode of Action
      Uses a chitin inhibitor, IGR (Insect Growth Regulator) , with use of monitoring stations.


    • This is the first and most widely used termite bait. Hundreds of thousands of structures have been baited with Sentricon since its introduction several years ago.
    • Sufficient independent research trials have been conducted to confirm its effectiveness when properly installed and diligently serviced by an authorized pest control firm.
    • Sentricon is a monitoring-baiting system. The bait, Recruit® II contains laminated textured cellulose that is impregnated with an IGR, hexaflumuron. This chemical interferes with termite molting. Inground stations are deployed around a structure at specific intervals. An aboveground station, Recruit® AG, is used in conjunction with the inground stations when termites are directly accessible within the structure.
    • Termite control with the Sentricon System ® is a 3-step process: (1) initial monitoring to "pinpoint" termite activity, (2) delivery of the bait, and (3) subsequent monitoring to provide on-going protection .
    • Sentricon is labeled for "pre-treats" in place of a conventional liquid treatment.




      HEX PRO ® SYSTEM

      HexPro® Termite Baiting System
      The Hex-Pro™ Termite Baiting System uses minimal termite bait to control the termite colony. This system includes an active ingredient that’s been proven reliable through 10 years of in-field testing.
      The active ingredient is hexaflumuron, an insect growth regulator (IGR) that stops the termites’ vital molting process so they are unable to grow. As a result, they die. Hexaflumuron has demonstrated 10 years of in-field success killing, controlling and eliminating termites.

    • Hex Pro is labeled for "pre-treats" in place of a conventional liquid treatment.

      TERMITROL ®BAIT SYSTEM WITH® TERMARID 613

      Termatol bait station TERMITROL ®BAIT SYSTEM WITH® TERMARID 613

      The Purpose of TERM – A – RID 613™ Wood Stakes is to aid in the detection of worker termites (termites without wings) next to a structure and to reduce their population by feeding on the stake. If worker termites are present, they can be detected by removing the stake from the soil and inspecting the below soil portion for damage. Damage may include grooves or holes in the stake surface or destruction of the stake tip. Feeding on the stakes may kill worker termites and this may reduce the termite population near the stake. Use of this product does not substitute for mechanical alteration, soil treatment or foundation treatment, but is merely a supplement to a termite monitoring and control program.

      ACTIVE INGREDIENT

      Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate . . . 0.5% INERT INGREDIENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 99.5%

      Total………………………………………………100.0%

    • Mode of action:
      This is a stomach poisoning, uses monitoring stations.


    • TERMITROL ®BAIT SYSTEM WITH TERMARID is not considered suitable as a replacement for conventional termiticides in "pre-treats".















      TERMINATE®


    • Mode of action: Uses a stomach poisoning, does not use monitoring stations.

    • In March 1998, a "Do-It-Yourself" bait product became available to homeowners: Spectracide's sulfluramid-based bait, Terminate®. Spectracide Terminate This do-it-yourself termite bait is often available at home centers, hardware stores and lumber yards. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and eight state Attorneys General filed a complaint in U.S. District Court alleging that the advertising claims about the product are deceptive and unsubstantiated.
    • Click here for the Associated Press Release detailing the complaint.
    • As part of a settlement agreement , the manufacturer will be permitted to sell Terminate , but with substantial modifications in their advertising claims. Notably, they will no longer be able to state that use of the product alone is effective in preventing or eliminating termite infestation or damage to homes. The manufacturer can advertise that the product "kills termites," but they must also state that Terminate is not recommended as sole protection against termites, and for active infestations, homeowners should get a professional inspection.
    • Terminate® is not considered suitable as a replacement for conventional termiticides in "pre-treats".

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      ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF TERMITE BAITS


      ADVANTAGES:

    • Reduction in termite population

    • Even where soil treatments have been effective, baiting provides an additional measure of prevention and monitoring.

    • Baiting requires fewer disruptions than does conventional barrier treatment, since the bait stations are generally outside.
    • Baiting is environmentally-friendly compared with soil trenching with liquid termiticides.
    • Termite colony monitoring and baiting can be used as a preventive measure in early detection of termites.

    • Where there is concern about pesticide use the chemical itself or a possible runoff into a body of water.

    • The ability to monitor the perimeter of the house can save you thousands of dollars in damage repair.

    • It will allow termite control in those situations where the stucture is untreatable or very difficult to treat with traditional barrier termite insecticides:
        Such as:
      1. Buildings with hard-to-treat construction or chronic retreatment histories are work well with termite baits.
      2. Foundation drains are drainage systems that are difficult to treat with conventional termite chemicals
      3. Heating/air condtioning ductwork is embedded in a slab floor..making it difficult
      4. The barrier/ liquid treatment that requires extensive drilling of slabs through wooden, tiled or carpeted floors.
      5. In the event that a liquid treatment is illegal, such as a cistern or well under the house.




      DISADVANTAGES:

    • The major disadvantage in the use of baits is the length of time it takes to eliminate a colony. Several months may pass before the termites find the untreated, below-ground monitoring stations and begin to feed on the bait. Although usually minimal, some degree of termite feeding and damage may occur before the slow-acting bait takes effect. With liquid barrier termite chemicals, control is immediate. If you use baits, control could take several months to a year.
    • Baiting programs are generally more expensive than conventional treatments. The complete baiting process requires several visits to monitor for termites, and to add or replenish baits as needed. This would add to the cost, if you choose a pest control companay to put out your bait stations. The service fee for the initial treatment and annual renewal fee is justified in baiting systems, due to the monitoring required. Failure to maintain the annual service agreement is a prescription for disaster with baits, since there is no residual pesticide left in the soil after the termites have been eliminated. Also, you do not own the bait stations with the Sentricon system. Cancelling the service permits the pest control company to remove the bait stations. Monitoring the bait stations for new evidences of termites is what protects your structure on an ongoing basis.




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