Do-it-Yourself Termite Control Through Baiting

Some people choose not to pay for professional termite control services. This is simply because expert help can sometimes cost a lot. A secondary concern is that some companies are not as reliable as they say they are when it comes to thorough pest extermination. An alternative to hiring help is managing the problem yourself.

One of the most popular methods you can use is called baiting. This is often a preferred method for homeowners because it is simple and may not require extensive use of liquid pesticides. Before you can begin the procedure however, you need to observe possible points of termite attack. These may be in areas where wood is in contact with soil or where there is high moisture. Hollow wood sections around your home are also clear clues of where termites have been feeding.

After identification, termite monitors are set. These are wood or cellulose based substances that are set in regular intervals near or on areas where termites are suspected to frequent. These monitors can be buried six feet under the ground or set directly on the ground on the path of termites. Eventually, termites will detect these monitors and begin a pattern of feeding on them. This step of termite control however may take up to five months or more to establish.

Once termites start feeding on the monitors, they can be taken out and replaced by baits. These are also cellulose based materials that are laced with a substance that is toxic to termites. These are often slow acting substances that delay termite death. As such, termites are able to find their way back to the colony where they can transfer the toxin to other termites, leading to a significant decline in colony population. With very few members surviving, a colony is expected to eventually perish.

In essence, baiting as a form of termite control is a sound method. It is important to note though that it is not always successful. Among the possible reasons for potential failure include user inexperience when it comes to observing termite behavior and using baits effectively. This is one reason why some individuals still strongly suggest that professional help is still best for successful termite management.

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