Termite Bait Treatment

The Logic of Baits

• Most termites that cause damage to structures are subterranean, meaning they live underground. They form cooperative, intermingling groups called colonies that create extensive tunnels to link nesting and feeding spots. Colonies can grow to include millions of individuals and cover over a 1/2 acre of land. Several colonies can also exist next to each other or connect to one another through these underground tubes. These channeling systems can be so extensive that termite damage done to one house may actually be caused by a colony primarily living on the neighbor's property. Because of these extensive subterranean systems, those who treat termites are increasingly turning to baits. Rather than trying to eliminate an entire colony by extensive chemical spraying, baits attract the termites to them, who then carry the poisons back to the colony.
  
  

Bait Components

• Baits have to be tempting enough for termites to feed on them even if other sources of nutrition are available--such as tree roots and housing lumber--and delayed enough in their killing action to make sure the termites travel away from the bait before dying. If too many dead termites accumulate around an object, the rest of the colony will likely avoid it. Common termite temptations used in baits include untreated wood, cardboard and paper.
  
  

Bait Installation

• Baits are often installed below ground at regular intervals around the entire perimeter of the property and in areas with known active termite activity. Discovery of the baits will largely depend on chance, as termites cannot see or smell the bait. Factors that affect bait discovery include foraging intensity, time of year, moisture and food availability. However, with time and proper installation, there is a good chance at least one will be discovered and begin to reduce the population.
  
  Above-ground baits also are used and typically are installed directly in the path of identified active termite tunnels, making it a quicker-acting method. They can also be placed directly above termite-infested wood or dry wall. Above-ground baits customarily are used in conjunction with below-ground baits.
  
  

Purpose of Baits

• The purpose of termite baits is not necessarily to destroy an entire colony, as this may be nearly impossible. Rather, the main purpose of baits is to provide targeted methods of protecting a property. Continued observation, maintenance and periodic rebaiting likely will be necessary once a termite colony has been brought under control.
  
  

Types of Chemical Bait

• Example brands of these chemical termite baits include Sentricon, FirstLine, Exterra, Subterfuge, Advance and Spectracide. Most termite bait systems are available only through professional termite treatment companies, though Spectracide is sold in retail stores.