Termites are a homeowner’s nightmare. They can cause significant damage to your property even before you notice their presence. Bait stations are an effective and eco-friendly way to eliminate termites. This article covers everything you need to know about termite bait stations, from how much they cost to how to install them.
What Are Termite Bait Stations?
Termite bait stations are effective against subterranean termites. They contain cellulose, along with slow-acting insecticides. This treatment is more eco-friendly than liquid, foam, and fumigation treatments.
Termite specialists strategically place the bait stations around the perimeter of your home to attract these pesky creatures. Worker termites feed on the bait and carry it to the colony, eliminating the soldiers and reproductives.
Termite bait stations come in two types:
- In-ground stations are installed in the ground and are effective against termites in the soil.
- Above-ground stations are placed above the ground to attract termites that have already infiltrated the structures.
The cost of termite bait stations ranges between $7 and $11 per linear foot. It’s an ongoing pest control treatment that requires quarterly monitoring to ensure the bait is effuective. If you maintain them properly, bait stations can offer year-round protection against termites.
Pros and Cons of Termite Bait Stations
Pros of Termite Bait Stations
- No structural damage: Termite bait stations don’t require drilling, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your property during treatment.
- Eco-friendly: Unlike liquid treatment, baiting systems directly affect termites and not the surroundings, making them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
- Targeted approach: Termites ingest the bait and share it with their colony, which helps to eliminate their entire family.
- Long-term control: With proper maintenance, termite bait stations can provide years of protection against termites.
Cons of Termite Bait Stations
- Takes time: Termite bait stations offer long-term control, but the results aren’t immediate. Termites can take at least 10 days to discover the bait, carry it to the colony, and spread the poison. If you’re dealing with severe termite infestation, we recommend termite fumigation.
- High upfront cost: The initial cost of termite bait stations is more than liquid termiticide, foam, or heat treatment.
- Requires regular monitoring: Termite bait stations require quarterly inspections to ensure the bait is effective. The pros refill it as needed.
- Depends on weather: High humidity or heavy rain can affect the effectiveness of bait stations.
- Only works against subterranean termites: Termite bait stations work against subterranean termites but not drywood and dampwood termites. We recommend using liquid, foam, fumigation, or heat treatment to eliminate these wood-munching termites.
How Pros Install Termite Bait Stations
Installing termite bait stations is a job that’s best left to the pros. They assess the termite activity and place the bait correctly for optimal performance. Also, most high-quality bait stations aren’t available for consumer purchase.
1. Inspect
Termite specialists thoroughly inspect your property to identify termite activity. Signs of termite infestations include:
- Mud tubes
- Swarmers (winged termites looking to establish new colonies)
- Discarded wings
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Bubbling paint
- Frass (wood-colored termite droppings)
2. Plan
The pros mark locations to install bait stations. They install them around the perimeter of your home with a 10-foot gap between each. They also ensure a two-foot distance between the bait and the foundation.
3. Dig Holes
Professionals dig holes with a shovel to install bait stations. They adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines on how deep and wide the holes should be. They usually leave a two-inch gap to ensure mold doesn’t form on the wood.
4. Install Bait Stations
Professionals install bait stations in dug holes. They level it with the ground and then fill the sides with soil for a tight fit.
5. Fill the Stations (Optional)
Most of the newer systems come pre-installed with termite inspection cartridges and bait. If not, the pros fill them with the bait the manufacturer recommends.
6. Monitor
Professionals perform quarterly inspections and refill the bait as needed to ensure they are effective. They use a spider tool to open the top of the bait station and check the termite inspection cartridge for signs of termite activity. If your system doesn’t have an inspection cartridge, they identify termite activity by checking the bait. The pros refill the bait if it’s depleted.
FAQs
How many termite bait stations do I need?
An average 2,000-square-foot home requires 18 bait stations. It may need more if the termite infestation is severe.
What are the best termite bait systems?
- Sentricon System
- Exterra Termite Baiting System
- Advance Termite Bait Stations
- Tango Termite Bait System
- FirstLine GT Plus Termite Bait Station
How to remove a termite bait station?
Dig the soil around the station till you expose the bait. Then, lift it out. Be careful not to damage the system when excavating.
Firsthand Experience: I Should Have Taken Subterranean Termites Seriously
Subterranean termites were feasting on the beautiful wooden door frame of my rental apartment. Unfortunately, I noticed them only after they caused significant damage. The good news is that I was quick to call the pros. They treated those pesky creatures and prevented them from spreading to other parts of my home.
A few years later, subterranean termites reappeared on my wall and ceiling. This time, I tried a DIY termite control spray. It worked, but the termites returned soon after two weeks. I expected this as I know a DIY spray from a home improvement store can’t put an end to these pests.
I’ll soon need to call a pro to treat those termites to save myself from hefty repair bills.
– Abdul Wadood
When to Hire a Professional
Termite bait stations are an effective and eco-friendly way to put an end to subterranean termite infestations. They are expensive but offer long-term protection.
If you suspect termites on your property, call the pros immediately. Pest Gnome connects you with the best termite pros in your area who can help you with everything related to termites.
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Termites Bait: Business / Canva Pro / License
Termites: Panupon_eur / Canva Pro / License
