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Understanding the difference of Professional Termite Baiting vs DIY Termite Baiting is important for any homeowner.
Termite Baiting has been around for decades, as a way to lure and eradicate termites. Conventional systems simply use attractive timbers to encourage termites to feed, then once located during station checks, a bait matrix is introduced to the station which kills the feeding colony. Put very simply, this is the principle of termite baiting.
The stages of Professional termite baiting are:
Installation-Your termite professional will install termite bait stations into the soil at approximately 3 metres about the perimeter of a building. The physical installation is usually done by a labourer or trainee to keep costs low and profits high. Costs for the average home, including 1 year of servicing and maintenance is usually around $2-4000 for an average size home. Once installed, the termite baits are then serviced approximately every 4-6 weeks. This is also often done by a trainee or labourer to keep servicing costs low. Servicing means that the station lids are opened and checked for signs of termite activity and general cleanliness of the stations. All soil and debris buildup is removed and the lids replaced. If termites are located, then a termite bait matrix is applied to the station for the termites to feed on. This bait matrix is topped up approximately every 2-4 weeks. The termites consume the bait matrix which eventually leads to the destruction of the colony. This occurs anywhere between 2-12 months from the first bait matrix application. Unfortunately, termites can be extremely fickle, and can vacate a station for many reasons. Servicing of the station by someone who is too rough, or contaminated hands are both reasons of termite baits being vacated. Failure of the service person to use gloves, or not using distilled or demineralised water are also common causes of failure, and sometimes active stations can be vacated for no apparent reason at all. Termite baiting can be difficult for even the most experienced professional. The introduction of the revolutionary Sentricon ‘Always Active’ Termiticide Rods takes out much of the cause of active termites vacating a station. Termite Professionals have been embracing this new technology at a rapid rate, however due to the cost of the Termiticide Rods, some Termite Professionals are persisting with the conventional style systems token their profits higher.
Then stages of DIY Termite Baiting:
Installation-The homeowner measures the approximate perimeter of the home, and calculates and marks the property at approximately 3 metre intervals. Installation involves digging small holes and inserting each station, with the Sentricon ‘Always Active’ Rods pre loaded. The cost for the homeowner is roughly between $880 & $1320 for the purchase of Termicure ‘Active’ 4 x Packs (16-24
stations and rods). Servicing and maintenance consists of a 3 monthly station inspection (more frequent in high risk areas). When termite activity is detected, the stations should then be checked every 4 weeks depending on the rate of feeding and the Termiticide rod refills should be replaced, or an additional rod installed to a feeding station once 50% of a termiticide rod has been consumed. When a full rod has been consumed, and feeding has ceased, it is assumed that an average sized colony elimination has taken place.
So there you have it…
There are, of course, some variables, however this is a common process undertaken during DIY baiting. Get advice from your termite professional, and if you think that you can successfully undertake DIY Termite Baiting at your home, then there is lots of information available. There is certainly significant cost savings for those homeowners who decide to do it themselves, and we are happy to offer whatever assistance we can.
