Reasons behind the Growing Popularity of Termite Baiting Systems
Termite infestation has always been a serious threat to households as well as business establishments around the world. Over the years, many different control and prevention methodologies have been used to keep termites at bay. Unfortunately, most of these traditional termite control methods involved the use of harmful toxic chemicals that have an adverse impact on the environment as well as human health. After years of research and development, now we have the option of preventing protecting our properties from termites using termite baiting systems.
Before discussing the benefits of baiting systems compared to other termite control techniques, let us understand some basic facts about these innovative systems.
What is a Termite Baiting System?
In simple words, termite baiting systems comprise of bait stations containing certain materials that are liked by the termites. This material could be a piece of wood or any other cellulosic material. These stations are installed around a building’s perimeter and inspected by an operator from time to time. When termites are found feeding in the station, baiting materials with low toxicity are inserted. This baiting material is carried all the way back to the colony by the termites for wider consumption. On reaching the colony, termites tend to share the baiting material with the rest of colony members including the queen. This is how the termiticide active component spreads throughout the colony and eliminates it. Though the active ingredients used here are insect growth regulators, so they are specifically targeting termites and very low risk to humans, our pets and native wildlifetoxic in nature, their toxicity is negligible compared to the chemicals used in traditional termite control methods. Also, compared to pumping 50 to 100 several hundred litres of chemicals around a property, baiting systems only require less than a teaspoon of active chemicalvery small doses.
Advantages of Using Termite Bait Systems:
Bait stations are now considered to be the least invasive and most preferred technique for the elimination of subterranean termites. This innovative methodology utilises the food habit of the termites to eliminate the entire colony. This method is ideally suited for individuals that are serious about protecting the nature and its resources while keeping their properties termite-free.
- Bait stations can be used for early detection of termites.
- Relatively eco-friendly method that uses small amounts of insecticide only in specific targeted locations.
- Can be used safely in areas that are environmentally sensitive, such as near water bodies, wetlands, etc.
- Installation of termite baits is easier compared to injecting chemicals around a building.
- Baiting stations are ideal for households with children and pets.
- Once a termite colony is eliminated, other colonies in the neighbourhood tend to invade. Unlike traditional termite control methods, baiting systems are capable of knocking out the invading colony.
Continuous Monitoring:
Continuous monitoring is essential to ensure optimum performance of termite bait stations. Once a colony is eliminated, it is important to replace the baits and keep monitoring. Even though the structure has been eliminated, the area can be reinvaded by termites from neighbouring colonies. Re-infestation may also take place if the original colony was eliminated partially.
If you want to find out more about termite baiting and its benefits, please contact Exterra right away. The baiting system designed by our experts has already protected more than 100,000 Australian homes and businesses from termite attack.
