ACTIVE TERMITE BAITING, INSIDE AND OUT
Pest manager Steve Butcher shares his experience of using Sentricon baits to treat active termites.
Termite baits consist of a highly attractive termite food (cellulose) and a special slow acting insecticide called an insect growth regulator. (Cellulose is a main component of wood).
Termites feed on the bait and take it back to the nest where it is feed to other members of the colony including the queen. The bait immediately “sterilises” the queen, as she can no long produce viable eggs. It doesn’t kill the termites immediately. The insect growth regulator in termite baits prevents the termites building new cuticles. The young termites (nymphs) and worker termites periodically shed their skins as they grow. When they are affected by termite bait, they can’t build new cuticles and when they try and moult, they die.
As not all the termites in the nest moult at the same time, it takes time for the termite nest to die. Typically it can take between several weeks to a couple of months during the warmer months (depending on the size of the nest), but longer in winter (as the rate of moulting slows down).
Termite baits are a very safe method of control. The insecticide in termite baits – insect growth regulators – do not impact mammals and humans. And although they do impact the young stages of insects, as it is incorporated into the termite bait, it will not get ingested by other insects and so it is a very targeted termite control technique.
Termite baits can be applied to areas of termite activity in buildings, in “above ground bait stations” and installed in the ground as a protective measure as “in-ground bait stations”.
There are two types of in-ground termite baiting systems. The traditional termite baiting system uses wood in the bait stations to attract the termites and when the termites are found feeding on the wood, termite bait is added to the bait station. The newer types of termite baiting system have long lasting termite bait included in the bait stations from the time of installation, which means they are working from the start to protect your home.
With all baiting systems, it is important to have them inspected regularly (generally between 6 weeks and 3 months), to check for activity and top up the bait if necessary.
More articles on termite products and techniques.
Go to our information pages for detailed information on termites and termite treatments.
Pest manager Steve Butcher shares his experience of using Sentricon baits to treat active termites.
Sydney pest manager Robert Taboas shares his experience of using Bayer’s termite baiting solution to treat a major termite infestation at a school.
Well devoured in-ground termite baits are a sign of successful treatment – a welcome sight for any pest manager.
Termite baiting systems should form part of any professional pest manager’s toolbox, advises Charles McClintock of Sumitomo Chemical Australia.
Those looking to offer Sentricon AlwaysActive as part of their termite control solutions can take part in a free online training program.
Karen from Coastal Pest Solutions in Yamba, NSW, explains why Sentricon AlwaysActive is a good choice for clients looking for a low chemical system.
Agserv’s Northern Region Manager Richard Lawrence shares his troubleshooting tips for problems with termite baiting.
Partho Dhang, Ensystex country manager for the Philippines, examines the success of using in-ground baits against the Southeast Asian termite Macrotemes gilvus.
Sentricon AlwaysActive signals a change in approach to termite management for both pre- and post-construction jobs.
Termatrix from Sherwood Chemicals offers pest managers a highly effective termite solution without site fees.
Dr Don Ewart takes a look at the history of termite baiting in Australia.
Professional Pest Manager website for other countries
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