Termites are capable of hiding within your house’s structure and getting to them can be very challenging. Fortunately, there are lots of methods you can utilize which will lessen and eventually eradicate their colonies which infest your property.
And one of which is the termite bait station.
What is Bait Station for Termites?
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A bait station employs appetizing treats that attract termites effortlessly. This delicious termite bait is infected with a slow-acting ingredient that traps and kills termites that eats it.
Unlike more traditional forms of extermination or pets control methods, a termite baiting station is designed smartly to work in concurrence with the termite’s natural behavior.
On the other hand, these stations are commonly utilized to control termites within a building or structure. Apart from that, it is also used to look for additional termite colonies on your property which may possibly cause an extensive damage later.
Some baiting stations for termites are installed under the ground in yards. Whereas others are installed within the structure in the surrounding area of feeding zones or mud tubes that are active.
Below the ground bait stations usually consist of untreated wood that has active ingredients.
How Do Bait Stations Work?
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A termite bait station is installed in order to create a boundary around your property. Approximately three to four feet from the foundation of your house.
One station will be positioned every 10ft to 15ft in narrow holes which are drilled using a specialized equipment.
Once the installation is done, you need to put termite food that is non-toxic on the termite bait until the existence of termites is established. After which, you need to change the non-toxic termite food with poisonous termite baits.
Unlike usual termite barriers, a termite bait allows for the dangerous traps to be transported to their nest and then shared to others in the colony.
Do It Yourself: Termite Bait System Install Procedure
Step 1. Check and Graph Your Property
Before installing a termite bait system, make sure to graph a simple illustration of your property. Then decide how many stations you’ll need.
Aforementioned, bait stations are installed three to four feet from your house’s foundation and every 10ft to 15ft around the boundary of your home. Simply step off or measure the outdoor walls of your house and divide the number by ten.
For instance, if your house is 300 linear ft. then split it by 10 and that gives you 30 bait stations.
Step 2. Drill Holes
Using a shovel or other bait system installation tool, drill holes for the stations. Simply put the drilling device to the soil at the preferred position by pushing and twisting. Then remove the excess soil. Keep in mind that every station should have its own hole.
Step 3. Insert the Bait Stations or Termites Stakes to the Holes
Insert the station until it’s fully flat with the ground. However, make sure that’s low enough so that you can mow it using a lawnmower.
In addition to that, ensure that the windows are attached securely to the bait station.
Termite Bait Stations vs. Liquid (Chemical) Barrier Treatment: What is Better?
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Both termite bait stations and liquid barrier treatment are effective when it comes to getting rid of termites. However, each of them can treat different termite infestation, thus deciding which is better can be very confusing.
If you are worried about the chemicals used in liquid barrier treatments, termite baiting stations are for you. One of the best things that set bait stations apart from liquid treatment is its environmental-friendliness.
However, bait stations act slower than liquid barriers. Also, bait stations can be disrupted because of lawn maintenance and weather changes. And whenever they are transferred, termites will detect. As a result, they will evade the tunnel.
They will end up dodging the stations and creating new tunnels, something that liquid treatments would prevent.
When it comes to price, baits stations are more affordable than liquid treatments but they need more maintenance.
But nevertheless, termite bait stations are safer to use and can get rid of wood-destroying structures effectively.
The 5 Best Termite Baits That Actually Work
Spectracide Terminate Termite Detection and Killing Stakes
This kit of DIY termite bait stakes is designed for those who are looking for extra protection for their wooden structures and home from destructive termites.
Apart from that, this product also comes with a pop-up as well as locator shields that are an easy find. As a result, conducting a regular inspection becomes easier.
This kit comes with a digging device and instruction booklet for ease of installation.
Effectiveness: According to the customers this termite stake by Spectracide is proven effective when it comes to killing termites.
Pros
- Effective
- It’s an EPA-registered termite treatment
- Easy to use
- Stakes are very easy to find
Cons
- Can’t be utilized near water sources
- Not ideal for severe termite infestations
Advance Termite Bait Systems
Advance termite bait stations are non-invasive termite solutions. It means you don’t need to any trenches or drill holes on the walls.
This is bait system is designed securely and can be locked so that no kids or animals will interfere it.
Another thing that sets this product from others is that it utilizes a two-stage process that imitates the natural feeding environment of termite.
Moreover, it comes with a quick lock cap which makes closing and opening easier and quicker. Replacing this baiting system on a regular basis is highly recommended.
Effectiveness: The Advance Termites Bait Systems have a professional-grade effectiveness, say users.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Easy to use
- Imitate natural feeding environment of termites
- It has a big maximum active range
Cons
- Bait cartridges need to be purchased separately
Termite Baiting System Stations by Hex Pro
In terms of versatility, this baiting system by Hex Pro is definitely one of the best. As a matter of fact, it is an extermination station and termite monitoring system at the same time.
The bait cartridges of this product can get rid of subterranean termites as well as their whole colony easily. In addition to that, this best termite bait controls termites using a targeted, less, invasive, and odorless manner.
On the other hand, you need to install it at every eight to 10 feet around your property. Depending on the situation, you should also place it in a bigger distance. But it shouldn’t go more than 20ft between the termite stakes.
The termite monitoring system should be checked every 30 to 90 days.
Effectiveness: According to the majority of Hex Pro Termite Baiting Stations users, this product is very effective especially when it comes to killing subterranean termites.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Easy to manage
- Effective against subterranean termite species
- Its extermination method works uniquely and effectively
Cons
- Its wooden cartridges might be imperiled to fungal degeneration
Trelona ATBS Annual Bait Stations
This annual kit from Trelona comes with a total of 16 bait stations. However, with its unique vertical and larger size slots, the Trelona ATBS bait station is made to make an environment that is termite friendly.
Its annual label inspection, on the other hand, offers user flexibility to inspect the stations more frequently or once a year. With ATBS Annual bait systems from Trelona, you’re certain that you’re in full control.
Nevertheless, both inspection cartridges and wooden base units should be replaced every 12 to 15 months.
Effectiveness: Because of their innovative and large station designs customers find Trelona ATBS Annual Bait Stations effective.
Pros
- Features big vertical slots
- Innovative design
- Fast acting compared to its competitors
Cons
- Doesn’t come with drilling device bit for making holes for the stations
DPD Shatter Termite Bait
This termite bait is specifically designed for use in the Hex-Pro termite baiting system. Shatter termite bait, on the other hand, consists of an insect growth regulator (IGR) hexaflumuron.
When deployed, the cartridges should remain in the bait stations given that the termites continue to become active. However, after termite activities have ceased replacing this bait with a monitoring tool is recommended.
Another important thing that you need to keep in mind is that never reuse Shatter termite baits. Since the termites who eat on the bait conceal a colony particular pheromone that may possibly discourage other termites from eating on the stations.
Effectiveness: The DPD Shatter termite baits control termites effectively, thanks to its active ingredients, say users.
Pros
- Drilling of holes is not required
- Offers an environmental functional solution
- Low toxicity to plants and animals
Cons
- Doesn’t come with monitoring stations
Advance Termite Bait vs. Sentricon
- Advance Termite Bait
The advance termite baits are one of the most popular baiting system among pest control professionals and companies.
One thing that sets this termite treatment from others is its ease of use. Unlike other bait systems, an advance termite bait comes with bigger vertical slots. These slots allow optimal contact to the wood making a perfect chance for termite attack.
Advance termite baits are proven security for homes and other structures.
This system offers PMPs or pest management professionals with a high-class combination of technician serviceability, improved profitability for their firms and more importantly, impressive termite killing power.
- Sentricon
Sentricon is a keen substitute for liquid barrier treatments. This baiting system has proven effective in eliminating and reducing subterranean termites and colonies.
Specifically, Sentricon looks at cellulose food sources as well as termite tunnels. Usually, they are installed in places inside the house where destructive termite have been spotted. Or in the ground outside of your home.
However, this baiting station takes longer to take effect, but it can get rid of termite infestation and offer continuous protection.
Conclusion
Termite baits are an effective as well as useful tools for eliminating and controlling termite infestations.
No matter which baiting system or product you will use, they won’t function by just hammering stations or drilling holes.
The success of the treatment needs a thoughtful installation and more importantly attentive monitoring by a professional technician who is working for a reliable and responsible termite control company.
Frequently Asked Question
- How often should termite bait stations be checked?
Bait stations normally need inspections one to four times every year or as often as you can. But, they should be monitored every three months.
- How far apart to put termite bait stations
One bait station should be positioned every 10ft to 15ft.
- How to use termite baits under concrete?
In order to use termite baits on the concrete structure, you will have to dig holes that are six inches deep. However, when drilling holes be alert of gas lines, water pipes, and utility wires.
- How to refill termite bait station?
Here, you will need a tool that is capable of twisting the cap a big and flat screwdriver for instance. When the cap is already removed, you can utilize either a needle nose plier or small screwdriver to remove the old cartridge. Then simply place the new cartridges in the bait station and return the cap.
- How to remove termite bait stations?
Removing bait stations should be done when the termite activity is already gone. To do this, you need to shake the bait or make use of a screwdriver to wiggle.
- How long do you need to keep termite bait?
On average it takes about eight months to one year for the termite to start feeding. But in most cases, it takes more than two years for feeding to start depending on the termite’s participation.
It’s really a great and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the feedback! I’m glad that you find it useful 🙂
As a termite professional most baiting systems are prone to failure due to lack of proper installs, soil conditions, lack of close monitoring and understanding that termites move about. Then there is the issue with ants who frequently will move into the stations and termites will avoid this natural enemy. There is moisture issues, a high water table or heavy rain season or outdoor sprinkler systems will fill these stations and termites do not swim. They will avoid these situations and go after your home instead. Call a pro and get a professional liquid treatment and warranty and be safe. Termite treatments are as lot cheaper than termite repairs. Is peak with 24 years of hands
experience.
Dear Joe,
Thank you for your detailed comment. I will edit my post and add information from you.
Best regards,
Vil.
Do termites eat pressed wood…such as in Mobile homes?
Treatment Cost – the initial cost of the baiting system may be higher than that for a liquid treatment. Termite treatments, whether they re baits or liquids, are labor-intensive and based largely on the dimensions of the house. The size ( footprint ) and complexity of how your home is built can affect both baiting and liquid treatments in similar ways. For example, larger houses will require more soil-applied chemical or more bait stations in order to do the job compared to a house with a smaller footprint. However, the cost for a liquid treatment can be affected more significantly by factors such as the type of construction. For example, drilling and treating concrete slabs, such as garages, porches and patios, and masonry voids (block foundation walls) is required under North Carolina rules (and often by the product labels). This increases both labor and chemical costs. Also, since liquid termiticides are applied to a vertical area of soil and must reach a certain depth (4 or the top of the footer, whichever is less), a basement house could cost as much as 4X more to treat compared to a crawlspace or slab house of the same size depending on how deep (below grade) the basement extends and if drilling is needed. As noted earlier, in many instances a house may not treatable with a liquid termiticide (e.g., wells under the house) OR a liquid treatment may be difficult or environmentally questionable. In these situations, the seemingly higher cost of a baiting system must be weighed against its benefits in protecting you and the environment.