How Do Termite Baits Actually Work?

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Termite baits are commonly used to control termites and are a key component of termite monitoring systems.

Termite infestations are something that no one wants to find in their backyard or worse their home. Australia has three types of termites that cause damage to property. The name ‘termites’ or ‘white ants’ covers many species of wood damaging pests in but the main pest species are Heterotermes termites,  Nasutitermes termites, Schedorhinotermes termites and Coptotermes acinaciform termites. Termite bait is effective on all of them.

Today we’ll take a look at what makes this termite treatment work so well.

What Are Termite Monitoring & Baiting Systems?

Termite monitoring and baiting systems, or simply termite bait stations, create a barrier of protection around the home using plastic “systems”. They are set up every three metres around the perimeter of the house to detect termites. Learn how to create the perfect layout here.

Each system has timbers and cardboard spreaders that contain their favourite food source, cellulose. These traps don’t attract termites into the area, but any termites nearby will come across them and begin feeding on the wood, “intercepting” the termites before they enter your house.

Conduct a check of these stations once a month to monitor termite activity. If you see termite activity, bait directly into the station.

How Does Termite Bait Work?

Termite bait combines a slow-acting insecticide with cellulose. Termites love the easy-to-eat cellulose and prefer to feed on the bait over the timbers. The bait is carried back to the nest where it is “processed” and eaten by other termites.

Due to its slow-acting nature, the bait is spread throughout the colony before they realise its danger. Rather than kill them immediately after feeding on the boat, it kills them when they try to moult (shed their “skins” to grow).

As more termites die, there becomes fewer soldiers and workers to sustain the colony. Termites also release ammonia when they die, a toxic gas. Eventually, one of these will cause the Queen to die and the termite colony will be eliminated.

It’s a slow process, with the length of time varying from one month to five months depending on the species and size of the colony. Colony control is usually quicker during the warmer months.

You can learn more about how termite bait works here.

Does Termite Bait Require Preparation?

Yes, termite bait needs to be mixed with water before being applied to the bait station — have a look at this instructional video to learn how.

We suggest 100g of bait to 350ml of water is the right consistency, giving you 10 baiting sessions from a 1kg bucket. Avoid using tap water because there is chlorine and other additives, opting for tank water, bottled water or distilled water instead.

After waiting three – four  weeks, check the bait to see if the termites have taken to it. If they have not, you do not need to rebait. If they have eaten up to 70%, rebait with a similar amount to what’s been eaten once more. There’s no need to overdo the bait, simply keep feeding what the consumption rate of the termites is at the time.

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Why Choose TermiGold Termite Baiting Systems?

Termite baiting systems have been proven to work for over twenty years. While you can hire a professional pest controller for a termite inspection and to set up the systems, it can quickly get expensive with checkups and regular baiting.

TermiGold is Australia’s #1 termite bait station provider, brought to you by Complete Termite Solutions (CTS), which is one of the highest-rated termite companies in Australia. TermiGold was founded to give homeowners more choice in their protection.

We provide detailed guides and in-depth knowledge via our Tips & Tricks so you are equipped with everything you need to know to kill termites. We also have instructional videos including How To Install A Termite Station which offers step-by-step directions to insert the bait stations into your garden. You can also reach out to us anytime for assistance.

Protect Yourself From Termites Today

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