Termite baiting systems are an effective treatment option against subterranean termite infestations, and they are an alternative to the standard control method of using a chemical barrier. The chemical barrier has been in use for over 75 years, and it consists of placing termiticide into the ground surrounding the home. This creates an impenetrable surface for termites, effectively protecting the home against current and future infestations.
Baiting systems on the other hand are composed of a series of containers that are placed in shallow holes in the ground, and which can be accessed from the surface. In these containers, you will have cellulose laced with a slow acting insecticide. Once termite workers find the laced cellulose, they spread throughout the colony, killing it off entirely. Let’s take a look at the different types of termiticides used in baiting systems.
Chitin inhibitors
The first group of termiticides that we’re going to take a look at are the chitin inhibitors, such as Hexaflumuron and Diflubenzuron. These termiticides work by preventing immature termites from molting. As a result of this, the termites will die prematurely. This has a cascading effect on the colony, because the termites molt in the reproductive chamber near the queen. Since termite colonies are underground and very crowded, a main risk for the colony is disease, and when a worker dies in the reproductive chamber, the other termites go into a panic, and rush to move the queen away. As deaths occur over and over, the queen has to be constantly moved, which puts a huge strain on both the colony and the queen. Eventually, due to this chaos, the colony is underfed, and the queen dies.
Metabolic growth inhibitors
Metabolic growth inhibitors are part of the second category of termiticides. These inhibitors are very slow acting, which means that the termites will not suspect the baited cellulose of being poisoned. When a termite dies immediately after coming into contact with a chemical, the other workers will avoid both that chemical and the area. Since the termites are not able to identify that the bait is poisonous, they will share it around the colony, and eventually it will reach the queen, which will become poisoned and die.
A pro will decide which termiticide is best for your situation, but the two options are pretty much interchangeable. If you would like to know more about baiting systems, or if you have a termite infestation on your property, contact us today.
