Types of Bait Materials Used for Termite Control
Termites have always been a major concern for the mankind simply because of the damage they cause to us. Over the years, many different methods have been implemented for termite treatment. In the last century, most of the termite control methods were preventative in nature. Even today, the main goal of termite control programs is prevention. However, the advanced baiting systems for termite control are also capable of exterminating subterranean termite colonies that can’t be seen.
Traditionally, professional subterranean termite control techniques treated the soil around a building using a termiticide, and they were effective in protecting structural wood in buildings by restricting the access for worker termites. Termite baiting systems were introduced in the late 1990s, and have steadily grown in popularity since then. Baits are highly preferred nowadays because they offer both early warning and remedial control of termites. In terms of the type of baiting material used, there are three different types of termite baiting systems. These materials are insect growth regulators, stomach poisons or ingested toxins, and biotermiticides.
Termite bait stations generally contain timber or some other type of cellulose-rich material capable of attracting foraging workers. After reaching these baiting stations, toxic bait is added to the stations. It is extremely important to use a low risk, slow-acting toxin because bait stations are effective only when workers live long enough to return to their colony and spread the toxin to other colony members.
The most commonly used toxins are chitin synthesis inhibitors (CSI). Once the worker termites acquire baits containing the CSI, the CSI is transported to the nest by them. This is how it spreads through the colony. The primary function of CSIs is to prevent the production of new colony members, leading to eradication of the colony. The elimination of a colony using a CSI, may take several weeks to months.
In the present scenario, wildlife extinctions and global warming has reached an alarming level. As a result, the focus has shifted towards environment friendly termite protection techniques that will protect not just our properties, but the entire world. This is exactly what we follow and deliver at Exterra, and why we are a proud sponsor of Australian Wildlife Conservancy. Our environmentally responsible termite bait makes use of closed and locked monitoring stations. The toxicity of our termite baits is less than table salt, and these systems can effectively eliminate an entire termite colony. Our termite baits are safe to use, and are highly recommended for families with children and pets.
Please contact us today to find out more about Exterra termite baits.
