Simple Tips to Enhance the Efficiency of Termite Baiting Systems
Termites are probably one of the most feared pests around the world because of their destructive impact. Many different termite control techniques are used to get rid of termites. Out of all these extermination methodologies, termite baiting systems have emerged as a popular choice. However, as this is a relatively new termite management technique, we are still evolving how to make these systems more efficient.
Termite baiting typically involves using strips of wood favoured by termites as the initial bait. The bait stations are placed in the ground about 500 mm away from the foundations. The materials used to kill the termites in baiting systems are slow acting “insect growth regulators” that spread throughout a termite colony via the foraging worker termites. The efficiency of these systems depends on the ease with which worker termites can find and consume the bait.
It is important to remember that baiting systems offer long-term protection against termites, but their impact is not immediate. Discussed below are some simple hacks that can enhance the efficiency of in-ground termite bait stations.
- To find in-ground bait stations, termites forage randomly in each area. Though their systemic searches are not random, termite movement in any specific zone is random in nature. However, there can be exceptions when termites follow markers such as below-grade plumbing and electrical lines or underground tree roots. This should be kept in mind during the installation of termite bait stations.
- To increase the probability of termites finding your bait stations, remove all fibre and wood debris from the area. In absence of competing food supply, termites will have no alternative other than looking for new food sources.
- It has been observed that ants and earwigs often eat the termites as they approach a bait station. It is important to control these termite predators because your ultimate objective is to ensure that the termites can transport the bait back home so that the entire colony is eradicated.
- To draw termites effectively, baiting stations need their top to be flush to the ground. This, however, doesn’t happen when the ground is rocky or made of coral. Therefore, the stations should be inserted using proper equipment.
- It is never a good idea to place termite bait stations near downspouts. When the downspouts get flooded, the system may be taken over by mould species and termites may be repelled.
- Mark foundations so that you can find out where the bait station has been installed. However, avoid placing mulch over the bait stations because it may lead to tunnelling of termites over the top of the stations.
If you have any other questions about termite baiting, please feel free to contact our experts at Exterra.
