Termites are a pest that you want to keep out of your house at all costs. One of the best ways to protect your home from termites is by installing a home termite bait system. It’s affordable, effective and simple to install.
In this blog, we’ll explain how to set out your termite baiting stations just like a professional. This will make you have the right amount of coverage around your home and give you peace of mind that you’re protected.
Let’s dive in.
Equipment You’ll Need
There are a few tools you will need to install your termite management system.
- Spade or post hole digger
- Measuring tape or wheel
- Termite stations
- Timbers and cardboard
Before you get started, we also suggest doing a termite inspection in your garden to search for any signs of termite activity.
Measure The Perimeter Of Your Home
The first step is the measure the perimeter of your home. Go around obstacles such as your decking, patio, pathway, water tanks etc driveway and focus your measuring around the main building as this is where you want to prevent the termites from entering.
For homes surrounded by concrete up to the boundary, in-concrete bait stations will require specialised installation. You’ll have to organise professionals to drill every hole and it can get quite expensive. We can help with a solution though, so contact us to learn more.
Once you’ve worked out the general perimeter, divide it by three — that’s the number of bait stations you need. For example, if you’re home perimeter is 72 metres, you’ll need to order a 24 Pack In-Ground Station Kit. If you have a home perimeter that’s in-between, always opt for more as any gaps wider than three metres can create an opportunity for termites to breach.
If you would rather be strategic and install fewer stations, it’s still going to help. Place the stations in high vegetations areas as well as beside hot water systems, air conditioning units and leaking taps. These areas are all attractive to termites due to the water moisture and proximity of the soil to the house.
Install The In-Ground Bait Stations
Now that you’ve measured your home and ordered enough bait stations, it’s time to get digging. A post hole digger is perfect for the job but a spade will work fine as well.
Dig holes every three meters around the property. You’ll want to bury the station so that it sits flush with the turf and doesn’t cause a trip hazard. Once it has the lid on, it’s strong enough to support the weight of anyone stepping on top. But before you put the lid on it, you need to add a few items to attract the termites.
Fill Up The Station
Termites feed on cellulose, a fibre that’s found in wood. When you order your in-ground bait stations, they will come with cardboard spreaders and timbers, which termites find delicious. The attractants also release CO2 in the soil, which helps to attract termites away from the home and towards the station.
How To Bait On An Active Station
Once installed, you will need to do a quick monthly check inside to monitor for activity.
If you spot termites eating the timbers, you’ll want to apply the bait. Termite bait works using a growth inhibitor combined with cellulose. Rather than killing them immediately, termites carry the bait back to their colony and they die when they try to moult (shed their “skins” to grow).
It’s a slow process and it can take anywhere from one month to five months depending on the species and size of the colony.
Explore more about how termite bait works here.
Install Your Home Termite Bait System Today
Now that you know how to set out your home termite bait system, it’s time to get to work. Take your time installing your system correctly and it will keep your home safe from termites for years to come.
TermiGold is a professional and reliable provider of home termite bait systems. We’ve helped hundreds of Aussies take control of their termite monitoring and protect their home. If you have any questions about our Termite Stations, the baiting process or anything else, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
