As the weather warms up in the Northern Hemisphere, the familiar spring pest problems such as ants, termites, fleas, rats and mice can return. Termites can live all year round. But they will be more active in spring and summer. Among the several methods to kill them, termite bait stations are effective in managing termite infestations, particularly those caused by subterranean termites.
Termites are commonly found in the United States and form intricate networks of tunnels underground as they search for food. Because they feed non-stop, termite infestations can be difficult to detect and can pose a significant threat to homes. The three primary termite species found in the US are the subterranean termite, drywood termite, and Formosan termite.
If you’re facing termite problems in your home, you may be considering using termite traps, also known as termite bait stations, to manage the issue. But what exactly are termite bait stations, and do they really work? Keep reading to learn more.
How Termite Bait Stations Work
Termite bait stations, sometimes referred to as “termite traps,” are placed either in or above the ground around your home. Despite the name, these devices do not physically trap termites. Instead, they contain a bait made of wood, paper, or cellulose that the termites consume and spread to the rest of their colony. Worker termites forage near their colony in search of food, and when they find the bait in the station, they consume it and carry it back to the colony to share with others. Because most baits are slow-acting, the termites have time to spread the bait to others, which ultimately leads to the elimination of the colony.
Termite Bait Stations for Termites above the Ground and in the Ground
Outdoor termite bait stations are often used in areas with the frequent emergence of termites. And underground termite bait stations are for inducing and killing underground termites.
Do they work?
Termite bait stations can be a highly effective and long-lasting solution for termite infestations. Although the bait is formulated to act slowly, it is capable of eliminating all types of termites, including reproductives, soldiers, and workers. Once the workers consume the bait, they pass it on to other members of the colony, disrupting their ability to molt and reproduce. This causes the termites to die, as the disruption of their growth process leads to their eventual elimination.
There are various factors to consider when it comes to the effectiveness of termite bait stations. One key consideration is their placement. Ideally, they should be situated approximately 2-4 feet away from the foundation of a home, and spaced at intervals of 10-20 feet from one another. It’s also important to position the stations in areas where there is evidence of termite activity or where it’s likely to occur. Such areas might include spots near tree stumps, woodpiles, or moist areas, as these are common termite habitats.
Choose DIY or Professional Termite Bait Stations
While it may be tempting to tackle a termite infestation on your own upon spotting termites or signs of damage in your home, it’s important to note that these pests can continue to cause harm beyond what’s immediately visible. Simply addressing the termites you can see may not be enough to fully eliminate the problem, leaving your home’s structure vulnerable to further damage. Therefore, using professional devices is typically the safest and most effective way to address a termite issue.
Although some of the termite bait stations sold in stores have similar bait as the ones used by professional pest control companies, DIY treatments are frequently ineffective due to incorrect usage. Identifying different termite species, their behaviors, and areas of high termite activity can be challenging for most homeowners.
Professional pest control solution providers not only have the appropriate equipment, but also provide effective solutions, continuous monitoring and maintenance of the system, and expert knowledge to offer an effective solution to your termite infestation.
Many species of ants and termites can infest homes in the United States. An experienced pest control specialist can determine which termite species are prevalent in your region and effectively detect signs of termite activity when inspecting your property. This knowledge enables the professional to identify the best termite treatment to eradicate the termites.
What Are the Benefits?
Termite bait stations can be a convenient alternative to drilling through slabs or other limitations when protecting certain areas. These may include locations near foundation drains, as well as areas that are covered by slabs or flooring that would require drilling to access.
Other benefits:
- Provides the possibility of earlier detection and location of termites
- Achieves a more accurate extermination of termites
- Safer for children and pets
Get to Know Termite Bait Stations
Pest control experts can employ an integrated pest management approach by installing monitoring stations around homes at intervals of 10 to 20 feet, as per manufacturer guidelines, to detect and monitor termite populations. This practice relies on surveillance-based targeted control principles.
The placement of monitoring stations and the type of bait used depends on the surrounding environment, such as the presence of competing food sources, and the expected termite species. To maximize detection, monitoring stations should be placed in areas where termite activity is anticipated, such as near tree stumps close to the residence, areas where existing termite damage is observed, or along the foundation.
Consistent monitoring and surveillance of the bait stations is crucial for achieving effective outcomes. For regions experiencing severe termite infestations, comprehensive monitoring and treatment across multiple properties may be necessary for sustainable control.
Ask for Professional Help
Due to the complexities associated with termite bait stations, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional termite control service. At Safe-killer, our experts will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your property prior to the installation of bait stations, ensuring proper placement and timely detection of any termites present.
Related: How to Safely Kill Ants
Safe-killer’s termite control experts are skilled at identifying indications of termite activity. They will give your property a professional evaluation and design a personalized strategy for termite prevention or extermination for you.
