{"id":35335,"date":"2023-09-05T09:43:27","date_gmt":"2023-09-04T23:43:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/?p=35335"},"modified":"2023-09-19T17:32:14","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T07:32:14","slug":"tips-on-installing-in-ground-termite-baits-to-maximise-hits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/professionalpestmanager.com\/nz\/termite-professional-magazine\/tips-on-installing-in-ground-termite-baits-to-maximise-hits\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips on Installing In-ground Termite Baits to Maximise Hits"},"content":{"rendered":"

Achieving maximum success with termite baits comes down to accurate placement and professional installation.<\/em><\/p>\n

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When installing a termite baiting system around a property, it\u2019s not just a question of \u201cwhacking in a bait station\u201d every three metres or so. It is important to consider placement carefully, to maximise the chance of the stations being discovered whilst following label directions. In order for baiting systems to deliver the necessary performance, this is critical. So, what do you need to consider when installing an in-ground bait station?<\/p>\n

Maximising hits on bait stations is not just about considering the placement of the bait stations; the handling and installation of the bait stations can also have an impact.<\/p>\n

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Placement of bait stations<\/h2>\n

For Sentricon AlwaysActive<\/a> for example, it is important to place the stations at least every three metres. These instructions have been developed to ensure termites find the bait stations before the house!<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to place bait stations in soil that is moist or has the potential to be moist. Placing bait stations too close to the building means they will sit in soil protected by the eaves of the roof, meaning soil will remain dry for long periods. As termites like moisture, it significantly reduces the chances of a hit. The Sentricon AlwaysActive label suggests placing the bait stations between 300- 500 metres out from the foundation. This direction allows the bait station to be placed in soil that is likely to have good potential moisture, whilst still being close to the perimeter of the house.<\/p>\n

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Bait stations should be placed 300-500 mm from the edge of the building<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Should there be hard surfaces around the perimeter of the home, such as paths, driveways and patios, core holes should be drilled to install the bait stations (see below). If this is not possible or not agreed upon by the homeowner, bait stations should be placed at the edge of the hard surface, where there will often be a natural moisture gradient. However, if bait stations are not installed in the hard surface areas, the lack of placement of stations every three metres should be recorded as a limitation of the treatment.<\/p>\n

In addition to bait station placement around the perimeter of the building, it is also highly recommended to place as many extra stations as required in other areas of high potential activity on the property, for example in areas of elevated moisture or where there are other potential termite food sources.<\/p>\n

When placing bait stations around the perimeter of the property, it is also important to consider whether a chemical treatment has previously been applied to the soil around the building. Although any chemical soil treatment should be adjacent to the building and typically only 150 mm wide, there is clearly the likelihood of chemical movement in the soil, especially down the slope. As such, if a previous soil treatment is known or suspected, it is advisable to install the bait stations 300-500 mm from the foundation wall.<\/p>\n

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Successful installation of bait stations<\/h2>\n

Firstly, termites are very sensitive to strange chemicals, so storing bait stations in sealed bags\/containers away from other chemicals in the ute, and wearing disposal latex gloves when handling bait stations as well as bait, is essential.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to ensure that the bait stations are installed flush with the level of the soil. Not only does this ensure conditions within the bait station are kept optimal for termites \u2013 dark and moist \u2013 it minimises the potential for surface insects to enter the bait stations, whose presence will prevent termites from feeding.<\/p>\n

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