FAQ: TERMITE BAITING SERVICE 101
By: Robert (Bob) Batman

Introduction: Termite "Baiting Service" is one service (control) option available to professionals for providing an aid in the control of termites. A Termite Baiting Service is totally different than the traditional "soil treatment" service and/or "wood treatment" options. (also see our FAQs on "Termite Soil Treatment Service" and "Preconstruction Termite Treatments" ). A professional baiting service actually includes in-ground monitor and/or bait stations, and some even offer above-ground bait stations. A termite baiting service is nothing a all like a termite soil treatment: it is a different concept altogether.

1. WHAT IS A BAITING SYSTEM AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

A. A Termite "Baiting System" is a service which consists of placing termite monitor stations and/or bait stations in the soil around the exterior perimeter of a structure. Some manufactures of baiting systems also have above-ground bait stations which can be utilized in certain situations where exposed termite mud shelter tubes are active (have live termites in them) and accessible. The stations must be checked on a regular basis (either monthly or quarterly depending on type of station) by a specially trained service technician: stations must be removed and/or replaced depending on condition and/or certain situations. Most bait manufacturers either recommend or require a minimum three (3) year initial monitoring/baiting service. Fact: There is no know termite attractant (something which attracts termites via their senses). Do not be fooled or mislead by those who claim their product has some special attractant. Termites must find the monitor and bait stations which are placed into the soil via their normal foraging. Above-ground stations are placed directly into an above ground termite mud shelter tube and secured to the structure. If an above ground station is properly installed, termites begin feeding from the station shortly thereafter.

2. TYPES OR CLASSIFICATIONS OF BAITING SYSTEMS AND WHICH BAITING SYSTEM WORKS THE FASTEST?

A. There are basically two types or classifications of Baiting Systems: 1) Those which utilize only a very slow-acting insect growth regulator (kills or deforms immature stages only) as the active ingredient (Sentricon is, at this time, an example of this type). Sentricon is the registered trademark of Dow Elanco, and; 2) Those which utilize a slow- acting stomach toxicant as the active ingredient: it kills immatures and adults, both! (First Line is an example of this type). First Line is the registered trademark of the Farm Machinery Corporation (FMC). We have found, based on our experience, that the First Line Baiting System is the fastest acting baiting system of those presently available, and it works on all the species of subterranean termites found in the United States Of America. Some people classify baiting systems as either 1) A Stand Alone System or 2) A Multi- Functional System (those which can be used either as a stand alone system or in combination with soil treatment service: some technicians refer to these as combo or dual systems). FMC's First Line is a Multi-Functional System which can be used either as a stand-alone system or in combination with a termite soil treatment service, and we have found this type is not as easily contaminated as those which were/are intended to be used only as stand along systems.

3. WHY DOES ONE TYPE BAIT SYSTEM GET FASTER RESULTS THAN THE OTHER?

A. A bait matrix which contains a slow acting stomach toxin kills both adults and immatures, and, according to the results we have experienced, it gets faster results than those bait systems which contain only an insect growth regulator (IGR) which affects the immature stages.

4. MOISTURE GRADIENTS AND MOISTURE FOOTPRINTS:

A. Proper placement of monitor and bait stations with respect to appropriate and available moisture gradients and/or moisture footprints appears to get faster results! Our technicians receive special training with respect to moisture gradients and moisture footprints and the placement of monitor and bait stations.

5. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A BAITING SYSTEM?

A. Baiting Systems can be put in place without the hassle normally associated with the preparation required for soil treatment. Baiting does not require any drilling through floors, stone or other foundation walls, stoops, or patios nor does it require any moving or removal of furniture or other obstructions by the property owner. Baiting does not present the pesticide contamination concerns associated with traditional soil treatment. Baiting service, as opposed to soil treatment and/or wood treatments, offers the potential for termite colony elimination (see VI below). Some baiting systems can be used in combination with the traditional soil treatment (see III above).

6. WHAT ABOUT SCIENTIFIC FACTS, INDUSTRY RESEARCH AND PERSONAL OPINION REGARDING BAITING SYSTEMS?

A. Fact: There is no official scientific proof that any bait product has actually eliminated a termite colony. Opinion: Lacking official scientific proof, one should not risk claiming their bait product is an elimination system or that it eliminates termite colonies. Fact: According to industry research evidence, termite bait products appear to have eliminated termite colonies. Based on the industry research evidence, one could say termite bait products appear to have the potential to eliminate termite colonies. Opinion: The termite colony elimination potential, the reduction in termite numbers and activity which results when termites feed from bait stations, is, in my opinion, very positive results and a service which should be considered by consumers simply because it appears to be working really well. Our results appear to ditto the industry research evidence! We are having fantastic results with our baiting service!

7. HOW DO THE TERMITES THAT FEED ON THE BAIT STATIONS CONTAMINATE THE REST OF THE TERMITE COLONY?

A. All the other castes' (soldiers and reproductive castes) in the termite colony depend on the worker caste' for their livelihood. The worker caste' termites are the only caste members which actually construct mud shelter tubes and eat your house. They also feed the other caste members (soldiers and reproductive castes), mouth-to-mouth, a process referred to as trophallaxis. See our Pest Brief On Termites for additional information about termites.

8. CAN A BAITING SERVICE BE COMBINED WITH A TERMITE SOIL TREATMENT?

A. Yes, some can. Read the last paragraph in number 2.

If you live in the Greater Kansas City Missouri/Kansas Area and need Termite Treatment/Service, Give Best Exterminators, Inc. a call
(816) 765-8844.