Termite Bait Stations How Do Work and Why Are They Effective?
Do you have termites in your home? If so, you may be wondering how to get rid of them. Termite bait stations are one option that can be very effective. But how do they work? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how termite bait stations work and why they’re such an effective way to control these destructive pests.
What are termite bait stations and how do they work?
termite bait stations or monitoring stations are small plastic stations which was invented by the CSIRO these small circular stations are placed in the ground around the perimeter of your home and other key hotspots .The stations are placed every 3-5 meters around the perimeter of the property no more then 1.5 meters from the gutter drip line. They are designed to detect termites which could be foraging around your property underneath soil or concrete areas.
The stations contain a timber attractant which is designed to lure termites into the stations. They are checked on a regular basis, typically every 4-8 weeks when they are found in the stations a termite bait is added to the stations which includes a insect growth regulator usually classed as chitin inhibitors.Termites moult, that is they shed their exoskeletons, because they cannot reproduce chitin, they are unable to replace this skeleton and thus perish. The termite colony loses whole generations and collapses as a consequence.
termite bait stations come in both above ground and below ground models. The above ground model has a small There are two main types of termite bait stations: in-ground and above-ground. In-ground bait stations are placed directly in the ground, while above-ground bait stations are placed on posts or other elevated structures were live insects have been found.
Why are termite bait stations effective – how do they stop infestations?
Termite bait stations are effective at stopping termite infestations for a number of reasons. One, the termites are lured into the station where they can be monitored which is a great option for property’s with limited access as concrete slab homes or in property’s were other termite management systems are not a option. Two, the termite bait contains a growth regulator which prevents termites from moulting. This effectively eliminates the entire termite colony itself unlike other methods such as termite dusting and or foaming which are designed to just rid termites from the structure and not eliminate the termite nest meaning termites could reappear over time.
How long does it typically take for monitoring systems to eliminate an entire colony ?
This will depend on the size of the termite colony itself as well as the termite species and how many times a year they moult. However, you can typically expect it to take several months to a year for them to eliminate an entire termite colony depending on a variety of factors .
The benefits of using termite bait stations in your home or business:
There are many benefits of using monitoring stations in your home or business. As we’ve seen, they’re an effective way to control termites and can help prevent infestations by early detection of termites before they are able to enter your home. They’re also non toxic and safe for humans and pets, making them a great option for families with young children or pets as well as the enviroment as a whole.
Termite monitoring vs chemical termite barriers
There are a variety of treatments for termites, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Chemical treatments and barriers are just two examples. Physical barriers and bait systems are other options.
Aside from price, the property type usually dictates which kind of treatment is best. Termite bait stations are a great options for property’s where a chemical barriers are not a valid option due to limitations such as construction type for example a property built on rock or with sandstone foundations.
Termite monitoring system installation, inspections and servicing
Customers typically sign up for a one-year contract when it comes to bait stations. This typical includes the supply and Installation of termite monitoring stations as well as monthly inspections of the stations including maintenance such as replacement of timbers and baits when required.
It typically takes a day for our termite technician’s to install a termite monitoring system around the perimeter of a property which involves digging stations into the soil or core-hole drilling stations into concrete areas using a special machine. The stations are designed to sit flat on the surface so they are fairly unnoticeable .
Customers usually receive a monthly notification or phone call to remind them that their inspections are due. It’s critical that each trap is checked once a month if the stations is to reveal any signs of activity.
After we inspect the traps, we fill in a service form so that we can know exactly what condition they’re in. Termites are constantly moving through the earth, therefore it’s typical for a house with a termite bait system to receive three or four different hits every year from several termite colonies. Constant attention is required, as termite colonies migrate across the ground, so it’s not unusual for a home with a termite bait system to have three or more distinct hits each year from numerous different termite colonies.
Termite bait systems have a lifespan of ten years, making them a good long-term investment for those who want a more permanent solution.
To summarize, termite baiting systems serve as a long-term “alarm system” for termites. It’s likely that termites have established a nest near the traps if they’re feeding in them; this allows us to take quick and powerful action. Alternatively, if the traps remain clear, clients may trust that their property will be free of any future infestation.
Always active termite baits vs traditional termite monitoring
Recently we have seen the introduction of always active termite baits such as Trenola and sentricon always active these are a new innovation in the termite control industry and differ to traditional termite attractants used in termite bait stations which are typically timber inserts. The main difference is that with traditional termite bait stations when termites are discovered in the stations termite bait is then added to the stations with always active termite baits the baits are already preload with bait matrix from the beginning. While this is a great new innovation they are still as only a effective option if they are properly monitored and maintained and are not a sit and forgot option for termite management like chemical barriers.
Termite baiting system costs
The cost of termite bait stations can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and type of property, the number of termite bait stations required, and the length of the contract. However, most customers can expect to pay between$2500-$6000 to install the stations and monitor for a 12 month and a on-going yearly maintenance fees of $800-$1500 per a year
Frequently asked questions
Are termite bait stations worth it ?
Yes, termite bait stations are definitely worth it! They provide an early detection system for termites, they’re non-toxic and safe for humans and pets, and they’re a great long-term investment.
Can termite still cause damage to my house while they are feeding on the termite bait?
Once the termites consume enough of the bait matrix’s it dramatically reduced the damage to timber they have infested.
Do termite bait stations work immediately?
No, termite bait stations do not work immediately. It can take from a couple of days to up to six months for termites to find the bait stations and start feeding in it. However, once they do start feeding in it, the bait stations will be very effective in attracting other termites from the colony.
Are there any disadvantages to using termite bait stations?
The only disadvantage to using termite bait stations is that they require monthly inspections and maintenance. However, this is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your property is termite-free! This continual monitoring also means that if termites are ever detected on your property, we’re able to take swift and effective action.
Are termite bait stations toxic?
No, termite bait stations are not toxic. They’re safe for humans and pets, and they won’t harm the environment. In fact, termites actually prefer to eat the bait in the monitoring system over other food sources!
Are termite bait stations a permanent solution?
Yes, they are a permanent solution. Once they’re installed and monitored for a few months, you can rest assured that your property is protected from future termite infestations.
Do I need a contract for termite monitoring systems?
Most customers do need a contract for monitoring stations to be professionally managed in order to receive regular inspections and maintenance. However, some customers may only require one-time installation and can opt to inspect the stations themselves and only call us when they have found termites within the stations.
conclusion
Termites are a serious problem in many parts of the world. Homeowners need to be vigilant in order to protect their investment. Monitoring systems are a great way to achieve this, as they can help to identify these pests early on, before they cause too much damage.
If you think you may have infestation on your property, or if you would like more information about termite bait stations, please contact us today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and provide you with a free quote. Thanks for reading!
