Baiting for Termite Control
Baiting is probably one of the greatest termite-hypes that has ever been created. The truth is that it is another “tool” for the control and temporary elimination of a termite threat to a structure. I say temporary due to the nature of the requirements for continued abatement. The termite baiting system must be monitored for the life of the structure it was installed to protect. This means that an inspector must come out monthly, or in some cases with the newer bait systems every three months to actually monitor and look at the baits for signs of activity. Once the technician quits coming out, the protection stops.
Don’t misunderstand what I am saying. Termite baits are good in many instances, especially the instances, which cannot be treated conventionally. That is, where a crack or joint is in a position where it is impossible to treat with chemical methods or the environmental conditions indoicate that only a baiting scenario will work for the control of termites. Yes, there are situations where I feel that a baited system is best, even over a conventional system.
Baits are placed generally at the “drip-line” of the structure on about 8 to 10 foot intervals for monitoring of termites. We must depend on these “blind” creatures to discover the wooden bait blocks and, when our technician comes out he will notice the termites and will replace the bit with the active ingredient
These ground monitor stations are plastic with a removable top for monitoring and insertion of the active ingredient tube. The active ingredient is then check periodically to make sure it has not been totally consumed. Once it has been consumed, the termites may not return for a very long time. Hence the baiting stops and is n longer effective.
Above Ground baiting situations. This is where you can actually see one or more mud shelter tubes on the side-wall of the structure or foundation. In some cases, just being able to place the station such that the termites can enter and find the paper, chemical-laced active ingredient and then carry it back and share it with other caste members of the colony and thus kill them as well.
It has been found that the above ground baits are an excellent way to control the Formosan termites, which has little need of building nest in the ground for survival.
Monitoring the bait stations require regular monthly inspection to gauge whether termites have discovered the bait or not. Then, it will be switched with the active ingredient. These frequent trips out to inspect is why the system is of higher cost than a conventional system.
And finally, it depends on the fact that termites are “random feeders” which means they feed in one location for a while and then move on to locate another place to feed. They never stay in one place to feed. That is why they are so successful in the history of the earth.
An interesting tidbit: The world’s termites outweigh the world’s humans 10 to 1!
