Understanding Termite Baits
by Barb Ogg, PhD, Extension Educator

A couple of years ago, termite control using a bait system became available as a control option, although to a limited extent in some locations. This bait system is known as the Sentricon system, developed by DowElanco. Other companies have now developed their own bait systems and these have been registered by the EPA and given a label. Some pest control companies may offer these bait systems as a control option. 

How do these baits work? Are they effective? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these bait systems? What about cost? The rest of this fact sheet will address these questions. 

The Sentricon system was the first termiticide bait system offered by pest control operators (PCOs) across the country. The active ingredient of Sentricon is hexaflumuron, a slow acting insect growth regulator that disrupts the termite's exoskeleton (insect "skin") development and eventually kills the affected termites. Click here for Sentricon success stories. 

Firstline and Subterfuge are two bait systems that have been registered by their companies (FMC and American Cyanamid, respectively). These bait systems use different active ingredients. Firstline contains sulfuramid and Subterfuge contains hydramethylnon. Both of these baits are slow acting respiratory inhibitors, effective baits against other pest insects, and relatively safe to people and pets. 

Termites frequently exchange food and body secretions as part of their normal existence. This food/secretion exchange is called trophallaxis. Trophallaxis also transfers microbes in the gut that aid in breaking down cellulose to new members of the colony. The termite queen secretes specific chemicals that are used to communicate and "direct" the activities of all members of her colony. The chemical secretions eventually pass through all members of a colony. The reason why baits are even possible for termite control is because exchange of food/secretions allows slow-acting baits to be transferred throughout the entire colony. Eventually the whole colony will be reduced to such a low level that it can't survive and termite activity will stop. Research results have shown that this is, in fact, exactly what happens. 

Unfortunately for those of us in the northern states, most of the research was done in the southern parts of the U.S. where termite activity continues year-round. Because termites are only active for about half the year in northern states, bait systems will probably not work as quickly as research from southern states has indicated. 

These bait systems rely on termites locating bait stations (at first the stations contain only wood) that the PCO places around the home. After installing the bait stations, PCO technicians will generally check the bait stations each month for feeding. In research conducted in the southern states it sometimes took 3-5 months for termites to find the bait stations. In the northern states, the bait stations may not be found for a year or more. Bait stations may be more likely to be found in the spring when foraging may be most active. 

Once termites are "recruited" to the stations, the PCO will replace the wood with the bait. The PCOs will continue to inspect the bait stations monthly. After no more evidence of feeding is seen, it is assumed that the colony has been eliminated and the bait is once again replaced with wood. Monthly inspections will continue to be sure that termites don't return. This system then serves as a long-term monitoring program and the bait can easily be added to the bait stations at the first signs of termite feeding. 

The main drawback with the bait technology is the time that it takes for termites to "find" the bait stations. (Remember, it can take a year or more in northern states). While you are waiting for the termites to find the bait stations, termites can continue to damage your home. Pest control companies using the bait systems may do a chemical "spot" treatment in the area where termites have been found and continue to inspect to make sure the spot treatment is providing a chemical barrier. However, the pest control company will probably not give a guarantee that no further damage will occur.

The bait system has been shown to be a little more expensive than barrier treatments when the chemical is used at the volume and the maximum concentration given on the termiticide label. For information on costs of conventional barrier treatments, refer to fact sheet 11-99, Termites Bite into Pocketbook, available at the Lancaster County Extension Office (402-441-7180). These are Extension recommendations; not all companies treat as we recommend for maximum protection. The advantages and disadvantages of both systems are listed below.

 

Advantages of baits:  Destroys entire colony (but there is no way to verify this).  Fewer environmental/ health risks (baits are far less toxic than liquid termiticides).  An alternative to chemical barrier treatments for some structures where barrier treatments are difficult or impossible.	Disadvantages of baits:  More complicated; PCOs need special training.  Unavailable to homeowners; marketed to trained PCOs only.  Longer to take effect; may not be practical for real estate transfers.  Passive control, depends on termites "finding" the bait.
Advantages of barrier treatments:  Cost will probably be slightly less, when barrier treatment is done with appropriate amounts of diluted liquid and the highest concentration allowed by the label (as Extension recommends). Faster control, especially in real estate transfers.	Disadvantages of barrier treatments:  Termiticides need careful application to ensure a proper barrier.  Some construction problems can make barrier treatments difficult or nearly impossible.  You can expect no more than 5-10 years of protection from these termiticides.  Good barrier treatments are not easily done by homeowners.

Getting the real facts about termites and termite control can be difficult and contradictory. Read and learn as much as you can about this topic before you make decisions about termite control. updated April 19, 2001

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