How to get rid of termites long-term with experts over DIY termite control

Termite bait stations can be used in the treatment of termites – specifically subterranean termites, the most prevalent species in the U.S. – which form networks of underground tunnels as they forage for food. Termite infestations can often go undetected, and because these insects eat 24/7, they can pose a formidable threat to your home. Three main species, the subterranean termite, the drywood termite,and the Formosan termite, are found in the United States.

If these pests are an issue around your home, termite traps might seem like a good solution. What are they, and do they actually work? Termite bait stations offer termites a food source that will eliminate entire colonies once they begin feeding on the bait. Keep reading to find out how to get rid of termites and what treatment treatments are best for your home.

technician installing termite bait station

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How do termite traps and bait stations work?

Termite traps are placed in or above the ground around your home. These devices aren't actually called “termite traps," nor do they actually trap termites. These stations contain bait that the termites feed on and spread throughout the rest of their colony, thereby eliminating the colony. As the worker termites crawl around near the colony in search of food sources, they find the bait and eat it. Most baits are slow-acting, allowing the termites to return to the colony and spread the bait to others.

Outdoor termite bait stations: above-ground and in-ground

Outdoor termite bait stations are typically placed in areas that are heavily traveled by termites. Underground bait stations are only used for subterranean termites, targeting them where they live.

Do termite bait stations work?

Bait stations can provide an effective, long-term solution for termite issues. While the bait is designed to act slowly, it does allow for the destruction of all castes of termites, including reproductives, soldiers and workers. The workers feed the bait to all other colony members and it disrupts their ability to molt and reproduce so they die as the mechanics of their growth process is disrupted.

All bait stations have a labeled spacing requirement that should always be followed.

DIY termite control with store-bought termite bait stations vs. professional pest control bait monitoring systems

If you see termites or signs of termitesin your home, it may be tempting to try to get rid of them yourself. However, even if you manage to eliminate some termites, others may still be silently causing structural damage behind the scenes.

While many of the termite bait stations are available at your local store, DIY termite control is often ineffective because of improper usage. Most homeowners are not able to properly identify different species of termites, their behaviors, and areas of high termite activity. Professional pest control companies not only offer the right equipment but also provide effective solutions, expert knowledge, and ongoing system monitoring to address to your termite problem.

There are different species of termites that can invade U.S. homes. A trained professional will know which species of termites are present in your area and how to effectively spot signs of termites and termite activity when inspecting your home. As a result, the professional will know which treatment is best for termites and how to get rid of termites more successfully than DIY termite control.

Benefits of termite bait stations

Some benefits of termite bait stations include:

  • The ability to test to determine if termites are present and earlier detection

  • Targeted treatment

  • A greater degree of safety for children and pets

Understanding termite monitoring and bait stations

The placement of the monitoring stations and type of bait is dependent on the surrounding environment (competing food sources) and expected termite species. The monitoring stations should be placed in areas expected to have termite activity (near areas of existing termite damage, along the foundation) to maximize detection.

Regular surveillance and monitoring of these stations is important in order to achieve successful results.

Seek professional termite control help

Because of the considerations involved with termite bait stations, you should contact a termite control professional for help. Our Terminix professionals can conduct a thorough inspection of your property before bait stations are installed.

Related:  How to Get Rid of Termites

The termite control professionals at Terminix are trained to detect the signs of termite activity and know how to get rid of termites for good. They will conduct a free termite inspection of your home and develop a custom plan for termite treatment or protection.